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The Basics: Giving Circles
A giving circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their dollars, decide together where to donate their collective contributions, and learn together about their community and philanthropy.Explore this section to find out:
- What are the benefits of giving circles?
- Is a giving circle right for you?
- Are giving circles a new type of giving?
- Where did all of the information in this knowledge center come from?
If you decide a giving circle is right for you, visit the Start a Giving Circle section for step-by-step instructions and other resources that you can use to start your own giving circle.
In This Area
- Giving Circles: Benefits
Giving circles benefit communities, circle members, and the organizations that host them. Find out if a giving circle is right for you. - Giving Circles: Research and Resources
Read a variety of giving circles research reports. Find giving circles statistics, sample documents, and templates. - Giving Circles: History and Context
Learn about the history of collective giving, and why the Forum made giving circles a priority. - Giving Circles: Acknowledgements
Find a listing of people and organizations that were instrumental to the success of the Forum’s work with giving circles.
Materials
- Giving Circle FAQs
Outlines answers to commonly asked questions about giving circles. - What is a Giving Circle?
Basic definition and common elements of giving circles and how individuals can benefit from joining a giving circle. - Ten Basic Steps to Starting a Giving Circle
Outlines the decisions needed when considering or starting a giving circle.