Are you looking for a way to make your charitable giving more engaging, impactful, and even fun? Consider joining a giving circle, a dynamic approach to philanthropy that brings together individuals who share common values and a passion for making a difference.
What is a Giving Circle?
A giving circle is a group of people who pool their resources and collectively decide how to distribute funds to causes they care about. But giving circles go beyond financial contributions; they create a community of generosity, where members not only donate money but also engage with nonprofits through volunteering, advocacy, and board service.
Giving circles provide an opportunity to:
- Enhance Impact – By pooling funds, members can make a larger, more meaningful contribution than they might be able to on their own.
- Engage with Like-Minded Individuals – Members build connections with others who share their values and philanthropic interests.
- Learn More About Philanthropy – Many giving circles educate members on social issues and nonprofits, helping them make informed giving decisions.
- Get Involved Beyond Financial Support – Members often volunteer, serve on nonprofit boards, and advocate for the causes they support.
Who Can Join a Giving Circle?
Giving circles come in all shapes and sizes, with many designed for specific communities, such as:
- Women’s Giving Circles – Groups dedicated to empowering women and girls through philanthropy.
- Young Professionals – Networks for emerging leaders who want to give back early in their careers.
- Affinity-Based Circles – Groups formed around shared identities, interests, or social causes (e.g., racial justice, LGBTQ+ initiatives, faith-based giving).
- Community-Focused Circles – Many local giving circles are hosted by community foundations, ensuring that donations support causes right in your backyard.
How to Find a Giving Circle
There are more than 4,000 giving circles worldwide, making it easier than ever to find one that aligns with your values and interests. Organizations like Philanthropy Together and Grapevine offer an online directory where you can search for giving circles by zip code, interest area, or community focus.
Explore a generosity community near you:
Philanthropy Together Giving Circle Directory
At SignatureFD, we believe in the power of aligning your wealth with your values to make the greatest possible impact – it’s what we call Net Worthwhile®. Giving circles can provide a meaningful way to engage with philanthropy, collaborate with others, and create lasting change. Whether you’re new to charitable giving or looking to deepen your involvement, a giving circle can help you turn generosity into action.
Looking for ways to enhance the impact of your charitable giving? Talk to your SignatureFD advisor or contact Elizabeth Burdette, philanthropic advisor, at elizabeth.burdette@signaturefd.com.
