“I’m just more aware of the nitty-gritty of needs that happen every day. I just feel like, now, I’m…on the front line,” said one member of a giving circle. A recent study called The Impact of Giving Together, has reported that members of giving circles, like the one mentioned above, gave more strategically than a control group of donors.
This report showed that donors in giving circles were more likely to give to causes that advance change, support general operating expenses, make multi-year gifts, and take cultural differences (race, class, gender) into consideration when choosing organizations to support. Also, these donors are more likely to support women, ethic and minority groups, the arts, culture, advocacy, the environment, neighborhood development, and international aid.
Because giving circle members are able to understand the non-profits in their area and work closely with them, these donors are better equipped to make wise and strategic giving choices. The understanding of giving circle members should be a challenge to us all – do we know the “nitty gritty needs” and the everyday stories of the people we are trying to help?
Information taken from: Lisa Ranghelli. “Giving Circles Lead by Example – Strategic Philanthropy in Action.” National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. <www.ncrp.org>.
-- 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