In the U.S., charitable giving has a long and illustrious history that includes community participation, neighbors settling new land helping one another, and most recently, giving circles. Giving circles are a recent but growing trend in philanthropy. In 2006, they generated $13 million dollars for community projects. A giving circle is “a group of individuals who come together to pool their dollars, learn together about the community and philanthropy, and then decide collectively where to give their money.”
Due to the weakened economy, giving circles will become more effective as they allow members to make large donations to nonprofits.
For example, in Maryland a prosperous giving circle is the Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT). It was started in 2005 with just a small group of women, but now has grown to include more than 130 women from diverse backgrounds and with an age range of 30 to 80 years old. Every month, AAWGT members meet to learn about issues in the community, local nonprofits, and to find volunteer opportunities. In just two rounds of grantmaking, AAWGT has given nearly $100,000 away.
Giving circles allow members to participate in philanthropy in a personal way. Gloria Martin-Pressman, the president of AAWGT says, “I feel like I am doing more than just writing a check.” Also, giving circles are a good way to meet “a lot of really cool people, and a way for a new resident of the community to quickly become active in the community,” says Sharon Stewart, one of the AAWGT founders.
Giving circles provide a way for donors of all ages, races and income levels to participate in philanthropy. As Mrs. Martin-Pressman says, “It is not about being Bill Gates, we can all do something – a ten dollar gift card for the battered women’s shelter can make a real impact.”
Information taken from: Bess Freedlander Langbein. “Giving for Good: Giving Circle Brings Local Women Together.” www.hometownannapolis.com.
-- Ashley High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.