Giving Circles

Giving Circles
Community Philanthropy
Giving more by giving together
Collective giving groups, often known as giving circles, have tripled in number since 2007 and are an increasingly popular way for donors from diverse backgrounds to amplify the impact of their giving.

Giving circles and other collaborative giving groups are made up of individuals who collectively donate money and sometimes unpaid time to support organizations or projects of mutual interest. Members have a say in how funding is given and which organizations or projects are supported.

Collective giving was a research focus of Jason Franklin, Ph.D., the inaugural holder of the W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair. Jason conducted the research included in this Collection with collaborators in the Collective Giving Research Group: Jessica Bearman (Bearman Consulting), Julia L. Carboni, Ph.D. (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University), and Angela Eikenberry, Ph.D. (School of Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha).

2023 U.S. Collective Giving Research Initiative

A New Landscape Study!

A new partnership between the Johnson Center and Philanthropy Together aims to find and survey collective giving groups in the United States to better understand the impact of giving circles across race, gender, and sexual orientation identities. We’ll explore the deep roots that collective giving has in communities of color and other marginalized communities and continue challenging the narrative around who is recognized as a philanthropist and what actions count as philanthropy.

Reports from the Collective Giving Research Group

The State of Giving Circles Today: Overview of New Research Findings From a Three-Part Study (Nov 2017)

Cover Thumbnail: The Landscape of Giving Circles/Collective Giving in the U.S. 2016

Cover Thumbnail: Giving Circle Membership: How Collective Giving Impacts Donors - Executive Summary (Nov 2018)

Cover Thumbnail: Dynamics of Hosting: Giving Circles and Collective Giving Groups (Nov 2018)

Explore More on Giving Circles
& Collective Giving Groups

Collective giving groups are an increasingly significant philanthropic force, engaging a greater diversity of donors, including women, people of various ethnic and racial backgrounds, and donors of all wealth levels.

Looking for more on community philanthropy?

Explore the W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair’s work through research and initiatives.