Hosted at The Denver Foundation, DAAP has had an immense impact on the African American community in Denver by providing ongoing financial support to small, lesser-known nonprofits doing crucial work.
Philanos is a network of women’s collective giving organizations and one of the top philanthropic organizations in the United States. Read more on their work to promote anti-racism and strengthen their network through educational opportunities.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, here are 18 women-led nonprofits your giving circle can support this March and beyond.
Check out this list of 11 Black-led nonprofits to support this Black History Month. You’ll find recommendations for organizations, as well as resources to help you connect with Black-led organizations year-round.
Check out this list of 11 Black-led nonprofits to support this Black History Month. You’ll find recommendations for organizations, as well as resources to help you connect with Black-led organizations year-round.
Hosted at The Denver Foundation, DAAP has had an immense impact on the African American community in Denver by providing ongoing financial support to small, lesser-known nonprofits doing crucial work.
” what we found out was, if we can get the kids interested, they could teach the parents.… What is amazing is that, when you give kids these life experiences, they live up to it later in life.”
Source: Inside Philanthropy
Photo Credit: Honeycomb
“We believe if the philanthropic community as a whole doesn’t take a stand now, minority and marginalized communities will continue to suffer.”
Source: Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Photo: Muhi Khwaja
“Philanthropy Together’s goals aren’t limited to increasing the overall number of giving circles. Rather, “our mission is to diversify and democratize philanthropy.”
Photo:Christopher Michel
Source: Inside Philanthropy
“The Launchpad NextGen leadership training program, created in partnership with the national organization Philanthropy Together, will teach teens about the role of nonprofits and give them the skills they need to manage their own circle.”
Source: Seven Days Vermont
A Giving Project training
Photo: A Giving Project training
“Too often, money remains in funds due to inertia or to the ‘paradox of choice.”
Source: Non Profit Quarterly
“Many more donors, however, chose to give one-time gifts to frontline organizations instead of becoming monthly donors. Growth in revenue from monthly donors was the same for organizations both on and off the front lines, at 26 percent.”
Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy
“For me, fundraising has been the heart of that but really just witness to great leaders and really inspiring like programs teams have been my fuel since getting started.”
Source: We are for Good
“Philanthropy Together hopes the directory will better tally the number of these groups and formally measure the funds they’re raising. The database could also be a resource for professional fundraisers seeking to connect with new groups of donors.”
Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy
“I never imagined the magnitude giving circles of color would have on North Texas when I first discovered this incredible way to increase the engagement of women of color in philanthropy.”
Source: People Newspapers
Photo: Courtesy HERitage Giving Fund at Texas Women’s Foundation.
Photo Credit: HERitage Giving Fund
“We are creating an embeddable directory that can live on donor platforms everywhere. Now, it will be easy to introduce a much broader range of donors to giving circles and give them the tools to directly discover and browse ways to participate and invest.”
Source: Forbes Women
“Some circles build on the informal ways immigrants and minority communities have long helped each other and they often support small, local projects overlooked by institutional philanthropy.”
Source: MPRnews
“During two days of discussions and planning in November 2017 at the Johnson Center, 50 network leaders produced hundreds of post-its, newfound friends, and lots of ideas.”
Source: Dorothy A. Johnson Center
Photo: Giving circle leaders gather at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Wash.
Photo Credit: Gates Archive/Bruce Tom
“Giving circles have become a global phenomenon as well, with more than 400 operating outside the U.S., including in Canada, Asia, the Pacific Islands and Europe.”
Source: Generocity
Photo: She Can Win Giving Circle
“The Women’s Giving Circle Committee picked a theme based around the hardships, or “lemons,” our communities have faced in 2020. We’ve been taught that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”
Source: Daily News
Photo Credit: Ripley County Community Foundation
“Many times, the solutions to the problems are just in front of our faces.”
Source: Philanthropy Women
“Philadelphians of Asian descent are Philadelphians—our neighbors, friends, teachers, doctors, service providers. They are citizens of our city, and they enrich it.”
Source: The Philadelphia Citizen
Photo Credit:Keith Trice, Flickr
“Professionals and community leaders all have an opportunity to pool their resources, share their lived experiences, and provide much-needed support for their communities ”
Source: The Triibe
Photo: Organizers marched to spread the word about the #DefundCPD campaign
Photo Credit: Darius Griffin
“As a woman, being empowered, being a Black woman, using my Black voice, hear what I have to say, it could possibly save your life”
Source: KIRO 7
Photo Credit: Washington Women’s Foundation
“This is an incredible effort that will allow more people to access healthy foods, instead of relying upon less wholesome canned foods. ”
Source: Buffalo Rising
Photo: FeedMore WNY member
“Giving circles have become a global phenomenon as well, with more than 400 operating outside the U.S., including in Canada, Asia, the Pacific Islands and Europe.”
Source: SI Live
Photo: Staten Island Giving Circle founder Evelyn Kormanik
“Greater Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with the Cincinnati Black Giving Circle, awarded $115,000 to six Black-led or Black-serving nonprofits in the Cincinnati area.”
Source: Movers and Shakers
Photo: Local students in Cincinnati community
“I learned that anyone can start or participate in a giving circle, they can choose to focus on anything, and the work can unfold in a hundred different ways. The heart of a giving circle is to empower ourselves and one another to play a role in building the world we think is possible. ”
Source: VT Digger
Photo Credit: Inside Philanthropy
“Members are engaged with staff side-by-side to complete tasks and take on responsibilities that invariably build their skills and confidence.”
Source: News Review
Photo: Petoskey Club members
“Our community of givers never ceases to amaze me with the innovative organizations they nominate, their generosity and their heart for such a variety of causes.”
Source: Legacy Collective
“As much as I love my partners, we kind of get dependent on the grants. And sometimes we kind of get driven by those grants, as well. You almost don’t get to do what you want to do.” ”
Source: The Counter
Photo: Nick Hernandez and Lisa Iron Cloud
Photo Credit: Makoce Agriculture Development
“Greater Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with the Cincinnati Black Giving Circle, awarded $115,000 to six Black-led or Black-serving nonprofits in the Cincinnati area.”
Source: Standford Social Innovation Review
Photo Credit: Standford Social Innovation Review
“A part of the joy that I felt was to see these young Black women claiming the history of philanthropy that exists within Black communities ”
Source: 4 CBS Denver
Photo: Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs
“Part of the beauty of the Giving Circle is the privilege of seeing the impact of our collective giving almost immediately ”
Source: Tha Gainesville Sun
Photo: Women’s Giving Circle
“We have this opportunity now to direct the resources that come from our community to those issues that are critically impacting the Black community as a whole. ”
Source: L. Robert Bolling, a member of Ujima Legacy Fund for NBC12
Photo: ‘Giving Black’ study shines light on Black philanthropy in Richmond
“It’s important we remember we can’t be frustrated by billionaires making decisions in our neighborhoods, we have the power to be part of that change too.”
Source: ForbesWomen
Photo: Philanthropy Together’s Executive Director, Sara Lomelin by Christopher Michel
“Giving circles, Vargas added, allow for participatory philanthropy since everyone has a vote in the gift-making process. Now, academic research is confirming that the giving circle movement may represent a way to bring greater democracy and diversity into the practice of philanthropy.”
Source: Nonprofit Quarterly
““People ask do we stop at 100 members, and the answer is no. We’re glad to grow and give more than $10,000 to deserving local nonprofits.” ”
Source: Gazette-Times
Photo: The Corvallis chapter of 100 People Who Care presents a check for $10,200 to Unity Shelter
“The concept is to get 100 people in your community to commit to donating $100 per quarter.”
Source: Gazette Times
Photo: The Corvallis chapter of 100 People Who Care presents $10,200 to Unity Shelter
Photo Credit: The Corvallis chapter of 100 People Who Care
“We recognize the power and privilege that comes with the wealth and income that we have, and we’re committed to breaking down the barriers between our communities with the giving process.”
Source: Philanthropy Women
“By joining a giving circle, I am connected to like-minded people who are purposeful and passionate about addressing disparities in the African American community.”
Source: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Photo: Tony Brothers, Founding member of Visionaries for Change Giving Circle
“Women are more visible in philanthropy today because of the women who have been fighting for a seat at every table, across every industry, for decades”
Source: The New York Times
Photo: Melinda Gates
Photo Credit: Ian Langsdon/EPA
“The organization is committed to anti-racism, and pledged its commitment for all members to undergo training”
Source: Sonoma Valley Sun
Photo: Lisa Carreno, CEO of United Way of Wine country
“When it comes to the “good work” of giving back, it’s important to recognize how so many people, namely women, were able to reinvent their philanthropic endeavors through giving circles.”
Source: Bella Magazine
“We’re not here to be the philanthropist from the States telling you how to create your circle, but we’re here to lend our support and our history of creation to help you adapt [our learnings] to your community.”
Source: Philanthropy Women
Photo: Sondra Shaw Hardy
“I began to explore what could I do to go beyond the dollar. My personal answer was to offer a pro-bono coaching program to one of LCF’s grantees.”
Source: Latino Community Foundation’s Blog Nuestra Voz
Photo: Bego Lozano, Peninsula Latina Giving Circle
“Impact Las Vegas has donated more than $200,000 to local nonprofits like the nonprofit Girls on the Run, an organization empowering girls through health and fitness.”
Source: KTNB Las Vegas
Photo: Impact Las Vegas
“We’re trying to shift that narrative — we’re not just poor people who are taking resources, Indigenous culture is rooted in philanthropy, we’re very generous within and beyond our Native communities”
Source: Advancing Philanthropy Magazine
Photo: Edgar Villanueva, Founder of Liberated Capital Giving Circle
“We are a twist on a traditional giving circle. We are giving grants to individuals, groups, businesses, and nonprofits. We’re trying to shift the paradigm in philanthropy.”
Source: ABC7 WJLA
Photo: Collective 365
Photo Credit: Fatima M. Mars
“Support for Black-led organizations has increased amid a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted Black communities and social unrest following the killing of George Floyd.”
Source: Q City Metro
Photo: Charlotte’s Illuminated Skyline in observance of CLT Gives Black day of giving
Photo Credit: Alvin C. Jacobs Jr.
“Seeing all of these organizations turn their dream initiatives into funded realities for the communities they serve has personally impacted me in ways I never even imagined.”
Source: Herald-Tribune
Photo: Jane Watt Impact 100 SRQ
“Women of Masala are grateful to be able to provide support to families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, especially during this time when the needs are so great.”
Source: Tempo News
Photo: Masala Giving Circle/
“In the past year, the Muskegon LEAD Giving Circle assembled more than 30 diverse community members to collectively donate to organizations doing JEDI work.”
Source: MLive
Photo: The Coalition for Community Development
Photo Credit: Kerri VanderHoff
“Giving circles are one of the best vehicles to make an impact on a local community. ”
Source: Scottsdale Progress
Photo: A New Leaf leaders Joe Dulin, Chief Philanthrophy Officer, and Laura Bode, Community and Civic Engagement Director
“The nonprofit aims to eliminate substandard housing and deplorable living conditions; create a safer living environment by improving accessibility.”
Source: Courier Tribune
Photo: Debbie Feldhaus and Dianne Ferrell, Co- Founders of Liberty Giving Circle and Clay McQuerry, Rebuilding Together’s executive director
“We practiced radical transparency and decided early on that we wouldn’t be defined by “turf.” Many philanthropic women sit at multiple tables. We aren’t in competition; we are in community.”
Source: Philanos Blog
Author: Paula Liang
“As members of giving circles, you are afforded the opportunity to really research and understand the issues that are impacting your community and how you can actually create change.”
Source: Tiny Spark Podcast at Nonprofit Quarterly
Photo: Giving Circle Network Leaders
“I learned that I could give by design and that philanthropy wasn’t one-size-fits-all. This is true for anyone who takes the time to give back and serve their community.”
Source: Blavity
Photo: Community Investment Network
Dianne Chipps Bailey, Managing Director, National Philanthropy Strategy Executive Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America, shares year-end giving strategies, and thoughts on how to address the pandemic and racial justice issues.
Source: Barron’s Live
“As philanthropy leaders adapt to this moment, we must help those awakened by these crises stay engaged for the long-term. Large philanthropy, specifically large foundations, need to embrace innovative models, donor networks, and intermediary organizations that encourage sustained and deeper levels of engagement.”
Source: Philanthropy Women
Photo: Sudha Nandagopal, CEO of Social Venture Partners International
“There’s a longstanding gender gap in funding between organizations run by men, serving men or a broad population, and those run by women, serving a female population… less than 2% of philanthropic giving across the world is given to missions that support women and girls.”
Source: Dallas Morning News
Photo: Akilah Wallace, Founding Chair of HERitage Giving Fund
Photo Credit: Gbadebo
“People seeking to make donations over time might consider starting or joining giving circles, in which groups of like-minded people pool funds and choose organizations to support.”
Source: The New York Times
Photo: 100 Men of Oshawa
“The needs of Latinas have been heavily impacted by this year’s pandemic. We know that the path out of poverty and despair is through empowerment and education. At the H100 Latina Giving Circle, we are helping to pave the way to a brighter future. We are grateful to our donors who are creating multi-generational hope and helping to fuel the dreams of many Latinas.”
Source: People Newspapers
Photo: H100 Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation
“Many think philanthropy is just about giving money, but the word philanthropy actually means love of humankind. You give your time, talent and treasure which leads to testimony to build community.”
Source: The Be Well Beautiful Woman’s Podcast
Photo: Joy Webb, Founder of Circle of Joy
“One month after hosting a virtual panel discussion on racial and social injustice, the Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle is discussing ways to help local organizations promote equity and inclusion in the community.”
Source: The Baltimore Sun
Photo: Catonsville High School Senior leads a Black Lives Matter protest
Photo Credit: Kenneth K. Lam
“Giving Circles have existed since the beginning of time, we just haven’t called them that. Communities around the world have always had systems of supporting each other for communal prosperity.”
Source: Creating Community for Good Podcast
Photo: Latino Community Foundation’s Latino Giving Circle Network
Photo Credit: Bryan Patrick
“Election season is a time to think about what matters and make choices. As voters prepare to pick future leaders, a group of local women will soon cast ballots of a different sort. Each with $100 to give, they’ll pick a nonprofit to support.”
Source: The Daily Herald
Photo: 100+ Women Who Care About Snohomish County
“When one person makes a donation to a nonprofit, they can make a difference for one organization. Now imagine that you gathered with a group of friends, relatives, colleagues pooling resources, sharing ideas and expertise to make a much larger collective impact in your community.”
Source: Nonprofits are Messy Podcast
Photo: Executive Director Sara Lomelin at Philanthropy Together Convening in April 2019
Photo Credit: Bruce Tom, Gates Archive
“As donors from different philanthropic communities move resources to support pandemic-related issues, many are beginning to cite that having been a part of giving circle prior to Covid-19 allowed them to make faster, better decisions when compelled to give.”
Source: ForbesWomen
Photo: New England International Donors
“The Village Giving Circle officially launched in 2018 through Texas Women’s Foundation. To date they have raised more than $610,000 and awarded it to 21 organizations and initiatives benefiting African Americans, simply by inviting more women to join the mission.”
Source: Local Profile
Photo: The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation
“With giving circles around the country reporting surging interest, this effort and Glenn’s graduating class [of Launchpadders] offer a window into the changing face of giving circles, the dynamics that are driving more people to them, and the potential for COVID-19 to birth a new generation of virtual groups.”
Source: Inside Philanthropy
Photo: The inaugural cohort of Launchpad participants
“Even though the median net worth of white Americans is about 10 times that of Black Americans, Black people give about the same percentage of their income to causes they care about.”
Source: The Philadelphia Citizen
Photo: Philadelphia Public School Giving Circle
“For too long, philanthropy has been seen as an exclusive club. Yet today, our country is experiencing a drastic reckoning… Who is called a philanthropist?”
Source: Philanthropy Women
Photo: Executive Director Sara Lomelin during the Live Q&A with Women’s Philanthropy Institute
“Since coronavirus devastated the United States in March, these giving circles have quickly adapted to provide resources for residents hit hard by coronavirus, leading the way for other philanthropic organizations.”
Source: The Denver Post
Photo: SPIN (Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs)
Photo Credit: Helen H. Richardson
“Dining for Women prides itself on their significant number of repeat donors. Members are engaged, educating themselves about the grantees and the issues–all highly desired attributes by fundraisers.”
Source: Philanthropy Women
Photo: Beth Ellen Hollimon, Executive Director of Dining for Women
“Philanthropy Together (the newly named giving circle infrastructure initiative on which we’ve reported), recently shared its COVID-19 Resources for Giving Circles. Suggestions for circles include centering vulnerable populations, tending to members’ own needs, hosting pop-up circles, and more.”
Source: Inside Philanthropy
Photo Credit: Emily Geraghty / Shutterstock
“Financial contributions from the black community have been well-noted and consistent for generations, with “tithing” being an intricate part of black giving and the values of community and mutuality embedded in African traditional values carried over by slaves.”
Source: Forbes
Photo: Black Benefactors Giving Circle
Photo Credit: William Perigan
“Giving circles are our modern day solution to the challenges all women are experiencing today in our communities—isolation, a feeling of helplessness and a lack of opportunity to lead and voice our own visions. When we come together, we are unstoppable.”
Source: Ms. Magazine
Photo: Philanthropy Together Convening in April 2019
Photo Credit: Bruce Tom, Gates Archive
“In a high-stakes era, where anti-black racism is mounting and economic rifts are widening, philanthropy through participation in giving circles is attracting growing numbers of black Americans.”
Source: The Charlotte Post
Photo: New Generation of African American Philanthropists
“Giving circles are active in all 50 states, though the structure and level of donor commitment among groups can vary. Some circles meet informally a few times a year over dinner, while others are far more structured and may even be registered charities with sizable donation minimums and a volunteer commitment.”
Source: Wall Street Journal
Photo: San Diego Latina Giving Circle
Photo Credit: Adriana Loson-Ceballos
“There is tremendous anxiety out there about social inequality and how stratified our society is. People want to do something about it,” says David Callahan. “Giving circles create structure for people with shared values to learn about the causes they care about and support them while creating community.”
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer
Photo: Philadelphia Black Giving Circle
“The Asian Women Giving Circle, founded by Hali Lee in 2005 to support arts and cultural projects led by Asian-American women, takes a different approach. This 25-member group has a minimum $2,500 annual contribution; each member can raise those funds or donate them herself. The gatherings aim to create bonds among members and help develop deeper community connections.”
Source: New York Times
Photo: Hali Lee, Found of Asian Women Giving Circle
Photo Credit: Kholood Eid for The New York Times
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