A giving circle is a particularly effective way to donate, and by participating in one, you ensure your donation can make a big difference. With a giving circle, people pool together their money and time to collectively decide where to spend their resources.

But it's not just about the money. Both Webb and Hali Lee, founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC), say the social aspect of giving circles is the glue that keeps their groups going.

Mashable talked with Webb and Lee to learn how to start a giving circle. Here are the steps they shared.

  • Choose members wisely Although you can expand once your circle is formalized, start with a small group. Lee thinks 10 is the ideal number of people, though it's not an exact science. Feel out what number works for your group, and go from there.
  • Hold your first meeting At some point, you'll have to discuss the more business-y aspects of your giving circle, but first get to know each other, Lee says. Throw out a few ice breakers to get members talking about what's important to them.
  • Decide on a structure Giving circles should decide where they will keep their money and how it will be distributed. You've got a few options. Members of the circle can simply write individual checks to the organizations the group decides to fund, says Webb.
  • Show off your grant recipients Once you start giving money to organizations, you should highlight their work on your website, social media, and other platforms that make sense to your group.
  • How to survive your first year You should think of the first year as a pilot program. It's OK to experiment and adjust your circle's funding focuses, Lee says.

Read the full article about starting a giving circle by Siobhan Neela-Stock at Mashable.