What is a Giving Circle?
A giving circle is a pooled fund, generally hosted or sponsored by a charitable organization such as a community foundation, through which members make grants together.
They are typically organized around a particular issue or area of interest, such as women's issues, quality of life, or the environment, and are considered a high engagement form of philanthropy because donors usually participate in collective decision making and educational activities.
The circle's grantmaking functions, proposal review, and site visits, engage members in a participatory process that, when combined with the increased impact of pooled charitable dollars, has strong appeal to many donors.
For further information on how to start or join a giving circle, visit the Giving Circle Knowledge Center.