Giving Circles: Research and Resources

Several recent studies have explored different aspects of giving circles.

In This Area

Giving Circles: Research
Recent research on giving circles published by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.
Giving Circles: Templates and Sample Documents
Useful sample documents and templates to help set up, manage and host a giving circle.

The Impact of Giving Together: A Snapshot of a Study on Giving Circles’ Influence on Philanthropic and Civic Behaviors, Knowledge, and Attitudes (PDF)
A short summary document with key findings and recommendations from the 2009 study on the effect participating in a giving circle has on a donor’s philanthropic and civic behaviors.
Giving Circles’ Influence on Members’ Philanthropic and Civic Behaviors, Knowledge and Attitudes (PDF, 1MB)
A 2009 study by Dr. Angela Eikenberry and Jessica Bearman, with research assistance from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, on the impacts of participating in a giving circle on a donor’s engagement in, knowledge of, and attitudes toward philanthropy and civic life.
A Handbook for Giving Circle Hosts: Tools and Resources for Developing and Sustaining Giving Circles (PDF, 939KB)
The Forum's April 2008 handbook of tools and resources for giving circle host organizations, including tools for deciding whether to host a giving circle, key questions to ask and a checklist of giving circle and host duties.
Giving Circle Statistics
Describes quick facts about giving circle demographics, giving patterns and other key aspects.
Giving Circles and the Democratization of Philanthropy Executive Summary (PDF)
A 2005 study by Angela Eikenberry, PhD, resulting from 30 personal and telephone interviews with giving circle members and philanthropic professionals, document analysis, and secondary research.

Donor Circles: Launching & Leveraging Shared Giving
The 2004 report by The New Wealth, Women & Philanthropy Project explores the purpose and value of donor circles and how to use donor circles more effectively.
Transforming Philanthropy Transactions: An Evaluation of the First Five Years at Social Venture Partners Seattle
SVP Seattle researched how effectively their coordinated package of financial and human capital increased the organizational capacity of non-profits, and how their Partner Education Program influenced philanthropic practice and philosophy. (May, 2003)
Community Investment Network
A non-profit organization that works to sustain existing giving circles, individuals involved in community based philanthropy and other collective giving models through donor education and ongoing dialogue and support.
Something Ventured - An Innovative Model in Philanthropy
A 2002 handbook profiling the design and early successes of the Washington Women’s Foundation. This publication can be ordered from WWF.
A Plan of One's Own: A Women's Guide to Philanthropy
A 2002 how-to give guide specifically addressing women's barriers to involvement in organized philanthropy by The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.