The clock may be winding down on 2022, but the impact of the growing collective giving movement will continue to shift how we create good in this world for many years to come. 

At its core, giving circles are designed to bring many voices together and allow everyone the right to be heard. The 2022 TED Talk, “Your Invitation to Disrupt Philanthropy,” puts collective giving front and center in millions of households around the world. Further, major media outlets featured the giving circle model this year, including the Associated Press, Mashable, Newsweek, and Today.com. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+, youth, those without wealth, people in rural communities, religious minorities, and more have been organizing different forms of collective giving and giving circles for generations, but their efforts have typically been invisible for “mainstream” philanthropy. 2022 has been a tremendous time for shining a light on a variety of voices, narratives, and viewpoints that are traditionally underrepresented in mainstream philanthropy. Through stories of identity-based giving circles, more unique perspectives are invited into this movement.

Read on for 12 articles showcasing the ways giving circles are democratizing and diversifying philanthropy. These are just a few examples of the massive growth we can expect to see in the new year!

Amplifying our philanthropy || eJewish Philanthropy (eJP)

Jewish philanthropy opens its doors to new college-aged members with a unique giving circle structure: a community competition that encourages Jewish youth to join Amplifier, an organization supported by The Jewish Federations of North America. 

Black philanthropy: Overcoming the wealth gap to build on a legacy of giving || Philanthropy News Digest

This report on race-conscious giving takes into consideration the cultural significance of Black-formed and Black-led philanthropy movements around the country, viewed through the larger historical context of Black wealth and the legacy of Black giving. 

Commentary: Why Californians are working to flip red state legislatures blue || The Los Angeles Times

Reimagining the traditional “brunch date,” this San Francisco-based giving circle responds directly to giving crises like the overturn of Roe vs. Wade with immediate funding. 

'Giving Circles' Fight LGBTQ+ Oppression with Generosity || Public News Service

In response to targeted legislation attacking the rights of transgender and nonbinary people, as well as low-income communities and communities of color across the American South, Texas-based LGBTQ+ giving circles are leading the charge to protect these rights and ensure a better future for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Giving Circle shows growth || Scripps National News

This video highlights the contributions of women – especially women of color – as they combine forces to expand the giving circle movement. 

How This Sex Worker-Led Giving Circle Grew, Letting the Movement Lead the Way || Inside Philanthropy

Third Wave Fund’s Sex Worker Giving Circle — the first sex worker-led fund — is a “cross-class, multi-racial, intergenerational giving circle made up of fellows with current or past experience with sex work or the sex trade.” This article takes a look back at their work since its 2018 launch.

How the Elevate Prize Foundation is revolutionizing philanthropy || Fast Company Online

In this article, the Elevate Prize Foundation unites givers all over the world through a collaborative, flexible giving structure based on equity and inclusion. 

Mihaela Giurgiu: An Eastern European Perspective on Philanthropy || Philanthropisms.com

A philanthropy expert from Romania shares her experience with The Funding Network as they celebrate 10 years since the launch of Romania’s first giving circle.

An Immigrant and Google.org Official Finds a Home in Giving Circles || The Chronicle of Philanthropy

A founding member of the Latino Community Foundation’s Latinos in Tech Giving Circle, Hector Mujica is challenging what it means to be a philanthropist.

Whiskey-themed organization seeking educational grant applicants to benefit children || Cincinnati WKRC

A shared love of whiskey and bourbon creates an unlikely cocktail for amplifying collective giving! 

Teen 'giving circles' turning small donations into grown-up impact || WKBW Buffalo

A youth giving circle of 70 teenagers from New York City awarded a pooled gift of $7,000 to an NYC nonprofit serving teens facing domestic violence. This article from Scripps National Media speaks with some of the circle’s young leaders and members, sharing a teen perspective on collective philanthropy. 

Voices for Change: June 26, 2022 || Fox 2 KTVU 

[Video begins at 10:44] LGBTQ AAPI giving circles work at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. KTVU’s Voices for Change segment highlights activists leading this movement.