A giving circle is a type of pooled fund (or social investment fund) where members come together and pool their resources to support a cause. Members usually have a common interest, such as shared histories or similar ethnic backgrounds or cultures. Each member contributes a certain amount of funds to the circle. The idea is that by pooling funds, they can make a bigger impact on a project.
Giving circles are flexible in that they allow for a range of giving styles, philosopy of giving, focus area, and purpose. They also have a social aspect to them and allows for networking and comaderie. In the process, members learn about philanthropy, community issues, funding, and grant-making. Funds are usually held by a community foundation or other public charity which also provides administrative services to the circle.
A giving circle make sense if you have a group of folks who have similar interests and values. The vehicle is a great introduction to personal philanthropy and strategic team decision-making. The process also helps members learn how to evaluate programs and impact.
My friends and I are in the process of starting a giving circle with a focus on the API Bay Area community. Our goal is to encourage new giving so we are working with individuals who have not been exposed to philanthropy or the non-profit community. We have selected AAPIP to administer our funds and they have even offered to partially match the funds we raise. It is still a work in progress. Education is a key component to the circle so it is time consuming. However, we believe our members have the potential to make a greater impact in the future so it is worth the time and effort. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact me.
Giving circles in the API community are growing. This is partially due to AAPIP's efforts in promoting them as a vehicle in building community philanthropy. You can learn more about their work here.
Below are some Asian American giving circles:
Asian Giving Circle
Chicago based giving circle with funds managed by the Chicago Community Trust.
Asian Women Giving Circle
Group of women pooling and raising resources to support Asian American serving, Asian American women led social change organizations in New York's under-served communities.
AsiaNextGen Giving Circle
Young, dynamic Asian Americans collectively engaging in high impact philanthropy by strategically funding critical areas of interest to the community.
Filipino American Fund
Initiative for Bay Area Filipino Americans to help people in the local community; funds are managed by the Asian Pacific Fund.
Hmong Giving Circle of Minnesota
Their mission is to promote philanthropy within the community, to encourage activism and create social change for Hmong women and girls; funds are managed by AAPIP.
Saffron Circle
Group of multi-generational Asian committed to creating positive social change in the Boston Asian community; funds are managed by the Boston Foundation.
Association of Asian American Yale Alumni
Forum to exchange topics of shared interests and to help foster a sense of community among AAAYA members; funds are managed by the Asian Pacific Fund.
