Giving Circles
Five years ago, giving circles were under the radar. Two years ago, they were a trend just beginning to grow. Now a new report finds that groups of people getting together and giving together are an established philanthropic force that has raised $100 million to support diverse charitable causes.
Giving circles come in many different forms, but usually involve a group of friends who pool their charitable donations and decide together how to use the money to benefit the causes they care most about.
"There's never been a better time to start or join a giving circle because it multiplies the impact of your charitable donations," said Daria Teutonico, director of the New Ventures in Philanthropy Initiative at the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers. “With the same amount of money you’d use to write a check to a charity, you get to make more of a difference, spend more time with friends, and learn more about what your community needs."
The report, "More Giving Together: The Growth and Impact of Giving Circles and Shared Giving," finds that the number of giving circles in existence has more than doubled in the last two years. There are now at least 400 giving circles nationwide — at least one circle in nearly every state. To examine the growth of giving circles, the Forum surveyed a sampling of 160 circles across the country. Findings include:
- Giving circles give a lot. In 2006 alone, giving circles surveyed donated $13 million for community needs.
- Giving circle members number in the tens of thousands. Nearly 12,000 people participate in the 160 giving circles surveyed by the Forum.
- Giving circles are diversifying. While once considered a women’s philanthropy phenomenon, nearly half of circles now have male members. The popularity of giving circles is also growing among people of color and in the gay and lesbian community.
- Giving circles have staying power. Nearly a third of circles surveyed have been through more than five rounds of grantmaking.
- Giving circles often open members' eyes to community needs and other
opportunities for giving.
The giving circles surveyed by the Forum count as few as four members or as many as several hundred, and donations range from spare change to thousands of dollars. They showcase the diversity and flexibility of giving circles.
Locally, the Women's Foundation of Minnesota celebrated the launch of the nation's first Hmong Women's Giving Circle
in 2004.
The Hmong Women's Giving Circle (HWGC) is comprised of 20 Hmong women and girls who raise funds and invest it in their community. The giving circle's mission is to promote philanthropy within the community, to encourage activism and create social change for Hmong women and girls throughout Minnesota.
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