GIVING CIRCLES

Sandara Kelso-Robb

GIVE INC, Chairman

What is a Giving Circle?

A Giving Circle is a form of philanthropy.

The concept is as simple as it is powerful.

A Giving Circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their funds, decide together where to give the money (and perhaps volunteer time or expertise) and learn together about their community and philanthropy.

It is the pooled or collective nature of Giving Circles that provide their uniqueness.

The mission of each Giving Circle will play a fundamental role in how the model operates.

Generally, Giving Circles tend to comprise women.

Where did the idea come from?

Research indicates the concept of Giving Circles was established in the USA, and cites a birth of the model in Washington.

“A cross between a book club and an investment group” – Jessica Bearman of Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.

“They pool and give away personal resources, educate and engage members, provide a social dimension for their members, and are independent of any formal body.” – Angela Eikenberry of Virginia Tech. 

There are apparently 400 of them (identified) across the USA in 45 states.

In a 2006 survey of 160 of those giving circles, conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals research indicated they engaged more than 11,687 donors, had raised more than $83 million and had granted more than $63 million, more than $12 million of it in 2006.

Range in Size and Organisation

Giving Circles come in all shapes and sizes. They tend to think local, with the majority funding

within their local communities. They fund both small grassroots and well-

established organisations. Funding priorities are likely to be women and girls,

education and youth development, health and nutrition, community improvement, and arts and culture.

Impact of Giving Circles on Members

They demystify philanthropy.

They leverage resources to make a difference.

They teach about issues, needs, and organisations in the community.

They result in members giving and volunteering beyond the giving circle.

Impact of Giving Circles on Members ctd

Giving Circle members tend to make giving more informed, thoughtful, focussed and strategic.

They are very much about networking and relationship-building.

Giving Circles can be more personal, fun, and less formal than other types of philanthropy.

Giving Circles Outside the USA

Evidence of a small number of Giving Circles throughout the UK as featured in a focus on female giving in a Philanthropy UK publication.

Not easy to find out about their existence as many are not registered with the relevant Charity Regulators.

Anecdotally they appear to be spontaneous and ad hoc, and issue or geographically based, although most tend to follow a similar format.

GIVE INC. Giving Circle

Idea originated on a study visit to Boston whilst completing an MSc in Executive Leadership.

Two female participants with an interest in philanthropy and taken with the simplicity of the concept were the co-founders.

Decided at outset it was to be women only.

Started by inviting all females on MSc to an information meeting – 10 invited/3 signed up.

GIVE INC. Operating Framework

Up to 20 Business Women.

£1 per day = £30 per month by standing order.

4 Meetings per year where business is followed by dinner.

Additional social events, fundraising events and cocktails at Christmas!

GIVE INC. Vision, Values and Structure

Pro-bono facilitated visions and values exercise within a format borrowed from the Boston Community Foundation.

Agreed to support organisations or individuals within Northern Ireland working for the benefit of children, young people and women.

No cold-calling. One page proposal form for members to make suggestions in advance of meetings and to provide further information if required.

Examples of Donations Made by GIVE INC.

£250 amounts on an ongoing basis to a taxi fund for Women’s Aid Hostels.

£500 to employ a voice coach for a young female carer with acting potential.

£500 towards singing lessons for a young man in foster care with communication issues.

£500 towards Alan Doherty’s surgery to build him a chin.

Examples of Donations Made by GIVE INC.

£500 towards the costs of sending young people from West Belfast to volunteer in a project in the Bronx.

£350 towards beauty training for a young woman recently orphaned.

£500 towards the costs of a project on nutrition for young single mothers.

£750 towards the costs of a Tag rugby club for young people with Downs Syndrome.

GIVE INC. Challenges

Differences in attitude to publicity. Attendance and continuity. Failure to cascade. Reluctance to discuss the circle publicly. Lack of willingness of groups/individuals to

engage with the concept. Keeping bureaucracy to a minimum. Open and frank discussions.

GIVE INC. Successes

Increase in knowledge of areas of need. More strategic giving at an increased level. More engagement with the sector. Distribution of much needed funds. Taking a risk. Excellent networking opportunities. The “READYBREK” feeling!

10 Basic Steps to Setting up a Giving Circle

1. Set goals and structure.

2. Establish mission and commitment.

3. Decide where to place your collective funds.

4. Establish an issue/focus area.

5. Create smaller work groups.

10 Basic Steps to Setting up a Giving Circle ctd

6. Develop process and criteria for funding.

7. Define partnership with recipient of grant award.

8. Review potential recipients.

9. Make grant awards.

10. Evaluate your Giving Circle.

Further Resources : Websites

www.givingcircles.org www.givingforum.org www.universalgiving.org www.philanthropyireland.ie www.communityfoundation.ie www.philanthropyuk.org

Further Resources: Publications

Bearman, J and Rutnik.T.., 2005. Giving Together: A National scan of Giving Circles and Shared Giving. Washington D.C: Forum of Regional Association of Grantmakers.

Clohesy, S. Donor Circles: Launching and Leveraging Shared Giving. 2004. San Francisco: Women’s Funding Network.

Eikenberry, A. “Giving Circles and the Democratization of Philanthropy.” Unpublished doctoral dissertation. 2005. Nebraska: University of Nebraska.

Institute for Philanthropy: “ Give Together” Miller, S. and Kelley, T. “Charity Belle: Colleen Willoughby Helps Women Give Money Away.”

US: People Magazine Nov.30, 1998 Shaw, S. and Taylor, M. 1995. Reinventing Fundraising: Realising the Potential of Women’s

Philanthropy. San Francisco: Jossey – Bass. Taylor, M.A. and Shaw-Hardy, S. 2005. The Transformative Power of Women’s Philanthropy.

New Jersey: Jossey-Bass. Washington Women’s Foundation. Something ventured: An Innovative Model in Philanthropy.

2002. Seattle: Washington Women’s Foundations.  Women and Philanthropy: Inspiring Women, Inspired Giving: 2008. London: Philanthropy UK.

Thank you for listening

and may you enjoy the privilege

of happy and successful giving!