Collective giving groups, often known as giving circles, have tripled in number since 2007 and are an increasingly popular way for donors from diverse backgrounds to amplify the impact of their giving. This growth is noted in a new report released this week by the Collective Giving Research Group, of which I’m a founding member along with Jessica Bearman of Bearman Consulting, Julia Carboni of Syracuse University, and Angela Eikenberry of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Giving circles and similar models of collaborative giving (GCs) entail groups of individuals who collectively donate money and sometimes unpaid time to support organizations or projects of mutual interest. Members have a say in how funding is given and which organizations or projects are supported.

GCs are a powerful tool to democratize and diversify philanthropy, engage new donors and increase local giving. This research sheds critically needed new light on this popular form of collective giving. In a time when philanthropy is increasingly focused on billionaires’ giving, this research is an important reminder that everyday givers are coming together and pooling their resources to make a difference in their communities and for the issues they care about.

Read the full article about giving circles by Jason Franklin at Johnson Center.