Report // Dynamics of Hosting Giving Circles and Collective Giving Groups

The Collective Giving Research Group (CGRG) is a research collaborative launched in 2015 to explore and understand the dynamics of giving circles and other forms of collective giving today. Jason Franklin, Ph.D., the first holder of the W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair, is a co-founder of the group.

In November 2018, the CGRG released Dynamics of Hosting Giving Circles and Collective Giving Groups. This final report of a three-part series explores the hosting experiences of community foundations and other organizations.

Key findings include:

• Contributing to a culture of philanthropy in their communities is the top reason that hosts are motivated to start or support a giving circle, followed by reaching new donors and a more diverse set of donors.
• The most fundamental service provided by giving circle hosts is serving as a fiscal sponsor; other top services offered include providing communications support, organizing educational opportunities for members, and soliciting proposals from potential grantees.
• Hosts cited staff time required, differences in expectations between the giving circle and host organization, and covering costs as the biggest challenges associated with hosting giving circles.

View the Infographic Read the Report