Imagine that as your best friend tells you about a non-profit organization he volunteers with, he mentions that his organization is starting a program that benefits a cause you support. Or perhaps you are in your favorite restaurant and you begin a conversation with the waitress and discover that she is behind on medical payments for her ailing son. As much as you want to help these organizations and individuals, it would be impossible for you to accomplish much on your own, especially with the current economy. However, there is an option that is bringing together groups of people to collectively support causes they all believe in. This opportunity is known as a giving circle.
A giving circle is “a way for ordinary individuals to pool together funds for a philanthropic purpose.” Groups of people meet together to research various causes, decide where and how their giving would make the biggest impact, and then, donate as their situation allows. Giving circles have grown in popularity since 2000, especially as individuals want to become personally involved with their philanthropy.
Below are a few links that contains information on starting your own giving circle:
The Giving Forum’s Giving Circles Knowledge Center
The Giving Circles Network
The Chicago Community Trust
A giving circle may be just the tool you need to assist the causes and people you love.
Information taken from: Karyn Brianne Watkins. “Big Heart, Small Funds? Try a Giving Circle!” Chicago Philanthropy Examiner. www.examiner.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.