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| Photo: PLCMC |
I had several emails this morning regarding “giving circles.” Being unfamiliar with the term, I started reading.
Here’s how giving circles are defined in a new report from the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers (PDF):
A giving circle is a philanthrophic vehicle in which individual donors pool their money and other resources and decide together where to give them away. Giving circles include social, educational and engagement components that seem to connect participants to their communities while increasing their understanding of philanthropy and and community issues.
Giving circles have been around informally for a long time. An article in today’s Minnesota Women’s Press mentions the African tradition of “Harambee,” defined as each one gives a little. It seems the concept came into its own in this country in the last decade or so, driven initially by the 1990’s west coast tech boom when young entrepreneurs were making money and wanted to be engaged in giving it away.
Although the economy isn’t booming any longer and overall charitable giving is down, giving through giving circles is up. The report cites a number of reasons for the increase.
Giving circle members:
- give more than nonmembers,
- give more strategically,
- give to a wide array of organizations,
- are highly engaged in the community, and
- know more about philanthrophy, nonprofits, and the community.
Women are leading the way. The Women’s Press article mentions that a Hmong Women’s Giving Circle was among the first in Minnesota. They also name Seattle’s Washington Women’s Foundation, a group that has given away more than $8 million since 1995.
As I read the articles, I remembered some informal giving my long-standing women’s book club has done. Over the years, our 10-member group has joined forces to support the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, in honor of a favorite local author. We’ve also supported members as they’ve raised funds for causes important to their lives, including breast cancer research and Crohn’s disease. Together we’ve contributed more than any of us could have, or would have, on our own.
Maybe it’s time for us to formalize our bookclub giving. What do you think? Do you have any giving circle experience to share?
- Susan Stehling, web communications associate
