The Growing Power of Giving Circles

Giving circles are a growing force for change from within the communities they serve. In a giving circle, a group of people with a shared interest pool their funds together and jointly decide where and how to give grants. Not only are they responsive to authentic local needs, those participating in them learn about philanthropy in the process.

It's estimated that there are over 800 giving circles in the U.S. that have donated over $100 million. And their popularity is increasing among racial, ethnic, and tribal communities as well as in the gay and lesbian community.

Below is a video showing how Asian American/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) addresses funding in the APA community through giving circles:

Looking for more information on giving circles? Check out the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers’ excellent Giving Circle Knowledge Center.