According to Philanthropy Together, an initiative that follows the activity of giving circles, individuals come together to create the change they want to see in the world by joining a giving circle. This way of giving enables people to increase their impact and knowledge, have fun, and connect with their local community. Collective giving has exploded in popularity, growing to more than 2,000 circles with 150,000+ people joining over the last two decades, based on Philanthropy Together’s data.

With so many Giving Circles out there, it can be challenging to connect with the one that matches your giving needs. Giving Compass’ Giving Circle Directory can help you search through a database of these to find those that are most aligned with your giving interests.

Some giving circles are supported by community foundations, which offer a variety of services to donors who wish to set up charitable funds without incurring the administrative and legal costs of starting independent foundations. The Council on Foundations' Community Foundation Locator can help you look for a community foundation in your area.

Philanthropy Together is a nonprofit co-created by hundreds of giving circles and collective giving network leaders, to help start new giving circles and help existing giving circles thrive.

Ten Basic Steps to Starting a Giving Circle (United Philanthropy Forum)

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