{"id":74299,"date":"2024-01-19T10:41:04","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T18:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog?p=74299"},"modified":"2025-09-09T06:31:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T13:31:57","slug":"giving-circles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/giving-circles","title":{"rendered":"What is a Giving Circle? How Individuals Unite to Affect Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

Contrary to stories about Bill Gates and Elon Musk, philanthropy isn\u2019t just for billionaires. Giving circles empower ordinary individuals to make an impact on the issues they care about. With over 2,500 active giving circles open to anyone, these groups redefine charitable giving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Circles of giving can raise funds from members and the larger community to raise funds for a cause, spread information, and determine the best route to make a significant difference. While many circles raise funds exclusively from members,<\/span> 52%<\/span> of giving circles raise funds from other sources through corporate matching gifts, community and private foundations, and other donors.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll share what makes a giving circle, how they can fundraise, and how nonprofit organizations can help these groups raise more money. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Giving Circles Defined\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Giving circles have effectively replaced the traditional belief that you can\u2019t be a philanthropist unless you have a significant amount of money. Currently, there are over 2,500 active circles of giving that anyone can join. The<\/span> Giving Circle Directory<\/span><\/a> lists each group along with the required location, interests, and average donation amount.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These groups allow individuals from every walk of life to make a significant difference in the world. Most of these groups are developed based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Giving circles allow these individuals to combine their efforts and make a greater impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How Circles of Giving Work\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In an age of donor-centered fundraising<\/a>, giving circles have become a popular trend that allows individuals to make a more significant impact regardless of their financial status. Most nonprofit supporters donate reactively after receiving mail, email, or social media solicitations or while attending a fundraising event. On the other hand, circles of giving are an example of proactive donating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving circles can be made up of families, co-workers, community members, etc. The group can collect funds from its members before passing the money raised on to a selected nonprofit or set of nonprofits. After donating, the circle often forms long-term partnerships<\/a> with these nonprofit organizations and plays a long-term role in addressing their common cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the Global Sojourns Giving Circle \u201cdirectly supports projects and programs that empower and educate African girls. They have hosted several fundraising campaigns – like <\/span>this one<\/span><\/a> – to spread awareness and garner support for this cause and the nonprofits that serve it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Steps to Creating a Giving Circle<\/span><\/h3>\n

Want to start a circle of giving? There are seven primary steps to forming one of these collectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Connection\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

The first step is gathering individuals from all walks and phases of life who care about a joint mission or cause. Since many giving circles inspire involvement from marginalized individuals, the causes they contribute to follow similar trends. Many groups support causes like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n