Be part of the global giving circle movement

Philanthropy Together’s Giving Circle Fellowship (formerly Launchpad) is an eight-month program for passionate leaders ready to start a giving circle or strengthen one they already lead. From October 2026 through May 2027, you’ll work alongside a peer community, guided by experts, to make real decisions: finding a co-lead, choosing a focus area, gathering members, hosting your first meeting, and maybe even making your first grant!


More than 4,000 giving circles around the world are making real change happen. By May 2027, you’ll be one of them, having designed your giving circle with intention, built trusted relationships with your members, and established practices rooted in your values.


Applications are now closed and submissions are being reviewed. Have questions? Email givingcirclefellowship@philanthropytogether.org

The Giving Circle Fellowship offers four different cohorts for leaders

Orange Dot Changemaker

Changemaker

The Changemaker Cohort is for individuals ready to start a new giving circle with their network of friends, colleagues, volunteers, and community.

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Nonprofit

The Nonprofit Cohort is for nonprofit staff looking to leverage giving circles as a powerful donor engagement strategy.

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Host

The Host Cohort is for community foundations, women’s funds, grassroots networks, and other organizations who want to host a giving circle.

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Thrive

The Thrive Cohort is for those who already lead or host a giving circle and could use support to sustain and grow the circle to maximize its potential.

Who is eligible?

Global applicants are welcome. While this program will be presented from a U.S. context, the skills learned can be applied across philanthropic landscapes. Most live sessions will take place between 12–2:30pm EST; recordings can be made available for those in a time zone where live participation isn’t feasible. This program is also free with generous support from our funders. 

  • Must have previously engaged in one of the following ways:
  • Must be able to attend 2 hours/month October 2026 – May 2027 for fellowship programming.
  • Must be ready or have a desire to start a giving circle OR host an existing circle.
  • Must fully commit to all parts of the Giving Circle Fellowship, including attendance of online sessions, work and reflection in between sessions, engagement with peers, and commitment to being active in the community of Giving Circle Fellowship alumni.
  • Additionally, participants are strongly encouraged to complete the fellowship program alongside at least one co-lead or additional staff member.

How it works

  • Monthly live module (2 hours/month): Content and activities designed to help sharpen your skills and build your plans brick by brick, even with some featured guest speakers who are experts in their field. All live modules will take place at Noon – 2PM ET / 9AM – 11AM PT. See the schedule below.

  • 1:1 coaching: Two 1-hour sessions during the 8-month program with a giving circle and philanthropy expert.
  • Optional office hours (1 hour/month) for ongoing support throughout the Giving Circle Fellowship.
  • Incentive funding*: Leaders who meet program criteria will have the opportunity to earn a one-time incentive between $1,000 – $2,500 toward their giving circle.
  • Public graduation: We will celebrate your success and uplift your story as the fellowship culminates in a shared virtual graduation event in May 2027.
  • Alumni access: Join Philanthropy Together’s alumni network for ongoing support, connection, and community as you continue your journey.

* Incentives vary based on the PhT Giving Circle Fellowship Cohort. Incentives contingent upon a successful launch and circle member recruitment. This program is also free with generous support from our funders.

What do fellowship participants gain? 

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Resources and Access

Research-backed best practices, concrete step-by-step tools, and interactive exercises tailored for people ready to launch or strengthen a giving circle. You’ll also get direct access to Philanthropy Together’s team and a network of seasoned, trusted guest speakers and subject matter experts.

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Connection and Visibility

You’ll be part of a global peer cohort and alumni network of changemakers tackling the same challenges with different lived experience and professional knowledge. There will also be opportunities to uplift your voice and share your impact, including a fellowship graduation that celebrates your wins and marks your place in a growing, thriving movement.

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Possible Funding

You’ll get the opportunity to earn a one-time incentive between $1,000 – $2,500 towards your giving circle. These incentives vary by PhT Giving Circle Fellowship Cohort. Incentives are also contingent upon a successful launch and circle member recruitment.

See why others love Philanthropy Together training programs

Kristen Roberts, The Circle of Healing

Simply put, we could not have done this without the resources, training, and guidance from PhT. One of our co-founders participated in the Launchpad training, which gave us the foundation to move in the right direction. The information, examples and options discussed in the class really helped us understand how we could make this giving…

Jamila Jabulani, California Black Health Network

I am immensely grateful Launchpad for Hosts exists! It was a resourceful program that provided me with the training and tools needed to start a giving circle within my organization. We’re finalizing our giving circle now and believe it’s an excellent opportunity for our members to practice participatory grantmaking.

Sharmila Rao Thakkar, Staten Island Giving Circle

This learning experience completely transformed the way I think about giving circles. Launchpad For Hosts provided me with a set place to think through challenges and opportunities and begin the brainstorming of our initiative, as well as be surrounded by knowledgeable instructors and speakers, and learn from and with a network of inspiring colleagues.

Chris Dobson, World Affairs

Starting from only a baseline understanding of giving circles, Launchpad for Hosts has opened a whole new world of collaborative giving to me! The program provides a comprehensive and adaptable framework for creating giving circles and begins the step-by-step process of putting this into action. Highly, highly recommend!

Michele Yacovello, Staten Island Giving Circle

Philanthropy Together brought us together in community to share ideas and build relationships with other giving circles. I know I will be returning to Philanthropy Together as a resource in the coming months as I develop my ideas and look for additional guidance.

Jess Blackshaw, YCore

Launchpad For Hosts helped me take my excitement about giving circles and transform it into an understanding of how I can explore them at my organization. While still figuring out the details, I have a clear idea of our options and complete confidence that we can make it happen!

Sara Lueben, The Minneapolis Foundation

Launchpad For Hosts helped me map out a solid strategy as I worked through the steps of starting a giving circle. I can not emphasize how transformative this has been in how I view my role in the work of building and supporting giving circles!

Daniel Kertzner, Rhode Island Foundation

Philanthropy Together’s Launchpad for Hosts proved invaluable in launching our Black Giving Circle and Latino Giving Circle. The course covers the basics involved in launching a giving circle. The information is comprehensive but not overwhelming. The team’s positive, high-energy approach made it engaging and fun.

Michael L.
2021 Launchpad Participant

Participating in Launchpad was an incredible experience, combining high quality materials expertly delivered with engaging conversations and lots of encouragement!

Catherine F.
2021 Launchpad Participant

Launchpad was incredibly motiving and addressed so many of my questions — and anticipated those I hadn’t yet considered. Philanthropy Together is a wonderful resource!

Angela W.
2020 Launchpad Participant

If you have a love of people & community and want to make a difference in your communities with like-minded people…start with LaunchPad!  You won’t regret it!

Caitlin K.
2021 Launchpad Participant

The Launchpad program was an inspirational experience! The Philanthropy Together team’s enthusiasm, expertise and support throughout the program was invaluable and I now feel I have the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful with the launch of my giving circle.

Stephanie M.
2021 Launchpad Participant

I kept putting off the idea of starting a giving circle. Launchpad was the perfect next step to making this idea a reality. The diversity of staff, speakers and participants also made it a safe space to really engage.

Jessica N.
2020 Launchpad Participant

“Launchpad brings hope to the idea of making philanthropy a more democratic and equitable space for all.”

Alayah G.
2020 Launchpad Participant

“I came to Launchpad totally believing that I was not capable, that I did not have a clear vision, that I was not the right person to manifest something that I really think belongs in the world right now. I leave Launchpad feeling totally empowered, feeling confident about my voice in philanthropy and change.”

Anita G.
2020 Launchpad Participant

“Participating in Launchpad has been an empowering experience. It’s one thing to understand why and how giving circles are so valuable in theory, but it can seem daunting to take that first step in practice. Thanks to the team, the carefully structured guidance and inspiring real-life stories, I feel ready to launch.”

Jordan B.
2020 Launchpad Participant

“Launchpad gave me the opportunity to get more familiar with giving circles and, more importantly, the people behind them. The toolkit provided me with much needed structure to better define my thoughts. In all, the series was so much fun and I hope to be able to keep in touch with everyone as my giving…

Meet Your Facilitators & Coaches

Our team at Philanthropy Together is excited to guide you through the process of launching your giving circle!

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Tyeshia “Ty” Wilson

Senior Director of Community | she/her

Tyeshia “Ty” Wilson is a community organizer, trainer, and consultant on equity in philanthropy, politics, community engagement and leadership. Ty leads Philanthropy Together’s engagement strategy, connecting with giving circle leaders around the world in person and virtually.

Read bio

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Sophia Zisook

VP, Programs | she/her

Sophia Zisook is a strategic, adaptive leader at the intersections of economic justice, gender justice, and community organizing with a deep commitment to moving resources and shifting power through community-driven, trust-based, and participatory approaches.

Read bio

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Adriana Loson-Ceballos

Giving Circle Coach | she/her

Dr. Adriana Loson-Ceballos is a seasoned evaluation, research, and fundraising consultant. Adriana’s national research on collective giving both exemplify her dedication to understanding and amplifying marginalized voices in philanthropy, reflecting her broader commitment to reshaping philanthropic practices for greater social impact.

Read bio

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Sara Lomelin

CEO | she/her

Sara Lomelin is a connector of people and ideas, a relationship builder and a firm believer that everyone can be a philanthropist. She is growing a movement of people-powered philanthropy to resource grassroots nonprofits, shift power dynamics, and promote widespread philanthropy.

Read bio

FAQs

If there are additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to: givingcirclefellowship@philanthropytogether.org.

Can I join Philanthropy Together’s Launchpad program?

PhT’s Giving Circle Fellowship is an evolution of our Launchpad program, reimagined for increased depth, succession planning, and community building, based on what we heard from past program participants. Interested Launchpad participants should apply to join the Fellowship program.

Do I need a co-lead to apply?

We strongly encourage you to apply with a co-leader or another staff member as starting or strengthening a giving circle is a collaborative effort! Having two participants means you can work together throughout the fellowship, fill each other in if you miss a session, and support one another along the way. You can apply without naming a co-lead, but fellows will need to identify a co-lead and share their information with us by the end of November 2026.

If I have a co-lead or colleague who wants to attend with me, do they need to apply, too?

No, you may submit one application representing the both of you. You will be given an opportunity to provide your co-lead’s information.

Can PhT provide accessibility accommodations?

We’re committed to making this program accessible to all participants. If you need accommodations, such as live captioning, ASL interpretation, screen-reader-compatible materials, or adjustments to session format or pacing, please let us know when you apply or at any point during the program, and we’ll work with you to ensure we meet your needs to the best of our abilities.

Does the Giving Circle Fellowship cost money?

No! Philanthropy Together’s mission is to connect and catalyze a thriving ecosystem of people giving together, and the PhT Giving Circle Fellowship is a big part of how we move that mission forward. We are able to offer programs like this for free due to the generous support of our funders.

What’s the time commitment of the Giving Circle Fellowship?

Every month includes a 2-hour live module, some time to complete take-away reflections and activities, plus 1 hour of optional office hours. Across the 8-month program, you’ll also have two 1-hour 1:1 coaching sessions with a giving circle and philanthropy expert. We expect this to add up to roughly 4 hours per month, on average, of your time.

The Giving Circle Fellowship will be most fruitful for folks who have the capacity and availability to spend time working on their giving circle, not just learning about the concept. Because the cohort experience depends on consistent participation and shared momentum, we do keep an eye on attendance. We understand life happens, and we’ll always work with you if something comes up, but we ask that applicants come in with a realistic sense of whether this is the right moment to attend.

What will you look for in your application review?

We’re looking for genuine passion for collective and community change, paired with real capacity of time and focus. We gauge demonstrated interest by looking at some prior steps you’ve taken, whether that’s exploring giving circles through PhT programming, engaging in your community, or already working toward launching or strengthening a circle.

What does “launched” mean for a giving circle?

This means that by May of 2027 you will have launched a giving circle that has a core vision, focus, and structure, gathered many members together to form the circle, and are actively working to make your first collective gift!

Why is the fellowship program 8 months?

Giving circles can start quickly or take years to form. At Philanthropy Together, we believe that creating a structured pathway over the course of several months with a community of peers helps people follow through on their commitment to launching or growing a giving circle. Over 8 months you’ll get all the step-by-step training and assignments to design your circle, gather members, build trust, and move toward your first cycle of giving together.

What if I'm looking to launch my giving circle as soon as possible?

That’s great! We have a Launch Your Giving Circle toolkit that helps you design the core of your circles and guides you through the steps. We also encourage you to look at Grapevine.org as an easy all-in-one platform to start collecting money and members. Or get in touch with our team if a 30-min coaching session will help you take the final steps to launching.

Applications are now closed

Have questions about the fellowship? Email givingcirclefellowship@philanthropytogether.org

Giving circles are reclaiming philanthropy

Watch this TED Talk on the future of philanthropy
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%
of giving circles give to organizations in their home state
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%
of giving circle members experience a positive impact on their ability to lead healthy lives
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%
of giving circle members reported a positive impact in their sense of belonging to a community
From In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.