giving circle

The CivicMinded Companion

giving circle - A group of individuals who come together for the purpose of making charitable gifts. The group may be as informal as a book club or as formal as a membership group within a larger organization, such as an alumni association.

Quotes and notes ~

"Giving circles are very flexible and allow members to express their creativity. Giving circle members organize around a common interest, such as environmental conservation or education reform. Giving circles allow for a wide range of giving styles, philosophies and politics, sizes, and focus areas. Each circle member contributes money to the fund. Members combine their resources for a bigger sum of charitable dollars." FORUM of Regional Associations of Grantmakers



"The Women's Foundation of Minnesota celebrated the launch of the nation's first Hmong Women's Giving Circle in 2004. The Hmong Women's Giving Circle (HWGC) is comprised of 20 Hmong women and girls who raise funds and invest it in their community. The giving circle's mission is to promote philanthropy within the community, to encourage activism and create social change for Hmong women and girls throughout Minnesota." Minnesota Council on Foundations



"Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s Rainmakers Giving Circle’s mission is to improve the lives of young women in the Washington metropolitan area by applying combined resources to support their empowerment, foster their self-esteem and achieve their full potential."

Additional resources on this web site ~

Giving Circles