Giving circles can strengthen collective action. Here’s how. 

As the philanthropic sector faces growing pushback against efforts to build more equitable communities, I regularly receive messages from giving circles seeking guidance on how to sustain and protect the progress we’ve made. From my vantage point at Philanthropy Together, a global initiative to scale and strengthen practices of collective giving, it’s clear more than ever, that we must unite and evolve our collective giving efforts. There are lessons to be learned from giving circles that philanthropists globally can use to strengthen collective action. Whether your giving circle is already championing equity in philanthropy, just getting started, or you’re new to philanthropy and interested in joining or starting a giving circle, we can go beyond grantmaking to help strengthen civic engagement. 

Giving circles uplift members’ voices for the community 

Giving circles have traditionally focused on bringing people together to pool resources to address community needs. Their strength lies in uniting diverse groups around shared values, which fosters deeper dialogue and collective action. When members collaborate and combine their efforts, they can advance a common goal and enhance civic engagement. Philanthropy Together’s In Abundance: An analysis of the thriving landscape of collective giving in the U.S. shows 83% of giving circle members said participation in a giving circle increased their confidence when taking action to change their community. 

From challenges to women’s rights to debates around diversity initiatives, current events have encouraged giving circles to be more intentional about engaging more in civic and policy awareness. Our research shows that 91% of giving circle members reported making additional non-monetary contributions of their time, talent, and ties to their giving circle. Collective giving groups are becoming more civically engaged and educated about policies that affect their values and giving priorities.  

I see this firsthand as the chair of HERitage Giving Fund, the first Black giving circle established in Texas, where we’re evolving beyond grantmaking to incorporate intentional advocacy and philanthropy empowerment. From hosting community empowerment events to advocating for policies like The Protect Black Women and Girls Act, members are encouraged to embrace the giving circle as not only an effective grantmaking tool but also an onramp for deeper advocacy and as a means to extend their voice and civic power beyond grantmaking. 

Giving circles can be catalysts for social change 

The evolution of HERitage Giving Fund reflects a rich tradition of collective action that is anchored in community organizing and advocacy, and many giving circles are taking similar action. The Latino Giving Circle Network® at the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest network of Latino-led giving circles, recently expanded its grantmaking to include get-out-the-vote investments in California, Arizona, and Nevada. For the first time in their history, they’re working to strengthen and preserve democratic institutions. The States Project, a network of political giving circles, provides nonpartisan tools and resources that connect their members with state lawmakers committed to improving lives for the people they serve.  

These are just a few examples of how giving circles are moving to center civic engagement in their work. It confirms what we already knew: Giving circles are natural catalysts for social cohesion and change by curating spaces where members not only pool resources to provide grants but also shift toward deeper civic engagement.   

Giving circles can be an accessible and proactive driver of community development   

The strength of the collective giving model also lies in its accessibility. Members can engage at whatever level they feel comfortable—from attending monthly meetings to leading policy research. Some join simply to learn about community needs, while others organize education sessions about local legislation affecting grantee organizations.  

This shift toward civic engagement is about being proactive and prepared, ensuring that when policies impact our communities’ interests, giving circles are equipped with the knowledge and networks to respond effectively. We’re creating spaces where generosity and democracy intersect, where writing a check is just the beginning of making change.  

Giving circles can adapt to protect their missions and expand impact 

Adapting means staying informed about community issues and policies that could affect our work, building stronger networks across circles, and creating more entry points for community members to get involved.  

Communities need members to voice their views, and giving circles offer a unique way to amplify them. Whether someone is passionate about education, health care, or economic justice, they can find a giving circle that aligns with these causes and offers diverse opportunities for engagement.  

Anyone can get started by exploring the Global Giving Circle Directory and joining a giving circle. If there isn’t a giving circle nearby, interested individuals can start their own by participating in Launchpad For You, a free online training that I personally facilitate, and that is designed to guide community members through the process of starting a giving circle.  

We’ve learned that shifting resources is important, but lasting social change requires educating and engaging our communities in the policies that impact them. Together and through the powerful model of a giving circle we can transform individual generosity into collective power and action.  

Photo credit: Retha Ferguson via Pexels