Nonprofit Intelligence

Giving Circles

Comprehensive domain data on giving circles, collective philanthropy groups, and pooled giving organizations where members contribute funds and jointly decide on charitable grants.

Women's Giving Circles

Groups of women pooling donations and collectively deciding on grants to support causes and communities.

Identity-Based Circles

Giving circles organized around cultural, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identity communities.

Place-Based Circles

Local giving circles focused on supporting nonprofits in specific geographic communities.

Collective Philanthropy

Giving circles represent a democratized approach to philanthropy where individuals pool their charitable contributions and collectively decide how to distribute grants. This model combines the social aspects of group membership with strategic grantmaking, often engaging donors who might not otherwise participate in organized philanthropy. Members learn about charitable giving while building community with like-minded individuals.

The giving circle movement has grown significantly, with thousands of circles operating across the United States and internationally. Circles range from informal groups of friends contributing small amounts to large federated networks distributing millions annually. Many are hosted by community foundations or nonprofit organizations that provide administrative support while members retain grantmaking authority.

Circle Models

Women's giving circles represent the largest segment, with organizations like the Women's Foundation networks and independent groups supporting women and girls or broader community causes. Identity-based circles bring together donors from specific cultural, ethnic, or affinity groups to support relevant communities and causes.

Young professional circles engage emerging donors through accessible contribution levels and social programming. Faith-based giving circles incorporate religious values into their grantmaking. Workplace circles leverage employer matching and payroll giving. Online platforms have enabled virtual giving circles that transcend geographic boundaries while maintaining collaborative decision-making.

Collective Decision

Members participate in researching, discussing, and voting on grant recipients.

Philanthropic Education

Learning opportunities about causes, nonprofits, and effective giving practices.

Community Building

Social connection among members sharing values and philanthropic interests.

2,000+
Circles Tracked
$1.5B+
Total Giving
300K+
Circle Members
72%
Women-Led Circles

Circle Types

Women's Circles

Circles focused on women's leadership and supporting women, girls, and families.

Young Professionals

Next-gen giving circles with accessible entry points and social components.

Cultural/Ethnic

Identity-based circles supporting specific cultural communities and causes.

Place-Based

Geographic giving circles focused on local community needs and nonprofits.

Workplace

Employee giving circles often matched or supported by employers.

Virtual Circles

Online-based circles connecting dispersed members through digital platforms.

Available Data Points

Circle Type
Geographic Focus
Member Count
Contribution Level
Annual Grantmaking
Focus Areas
Host Organization
Meeting Frequency
Decision Process
Founded Date
Membership Open
Contact Information

Access Giving Circle Data

Get comprehensive domain intelligence on collective philanthropy organizations.

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