Creating a giving circle is a meaningful way to unite like-minded individuals, pool resources, and amplify your philanthropic efforts to support causes that matter most to you and your community. At its core, a giving circle is a group of people brought together by a shared passion — whether tied to a specific cause, geography, or identity — who contribute funds, combine their donations, and collaboratively decide which nonprofits will benefit from their collective giving. This cycle of giving and decision-making fosters lasting engagement and deeper impact.
Giving circles not only connect people but also create greater impact for the causes members care about and strengthen the community in the process. By partnering with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, your giving circle can take advantage of resources and expertise to make giving easier, more effective, and even more rewarding.
Here’s how to get started, maintain your giving circle, and consider ways the Sacramento Region Community Foundation can support your efforts:
1. Reach Out to Your Network
Start by inviting family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors to join your giving circle. Share your motivation, your vision, and the impact you hope to achieve. Personal outreach and transparent communication are key to inspiring others to join.
2. Set Your Goals and Structure
Clarify the details of your giving circle:
- Meeting Frequency: Decide how often and where you’ll meet—virtually, in person, or both.
- Funding Focus: Determine if your circle will focus on a specific geographic area or issue.
- Membership and Contributions: Decide the size of your circle and the financial commitment members will make.
- Decision-Making Process: Establish how you’ll choose grantees and measure success.
3. Name and Introduce Your Circle
Choose a name that reflects your mission and identity. Craft a compelling description of your focus, membership requirements, and meeting schedule. Then share it with your community to encourage participation and engagement.
4. Manage the Money and Prepare to Grant
Decide where to hold your collective funds and how to manage them. Options include:
- Partnering with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation: Establish a Giving Circle Fund for as little as $10,000 to simplify the administration of your giving circle, grow your contributions through pooled donations and effective investments, and benefit from access to our expert, local team.
- Other Options: Open a joint bank account to host your giving circle’s assets, and be sure to consult a tax advisor and consider operational costs. You can also explore tools like Grapevine.org for financial management and grant disbursement.
5. Deepen Knowledge
Learn about the causes that matter to your group. Invite experts to share insights, identify gaps in services, and determine how your giving can make the greatest impact.
The Sacramento region’s nonprofit knowledgebase, GivingEdge, is an excellent tool for discovering local nonprofits to support. You may be familiar with GivingEdge as the website that powers Big Day of Giving, our annual giving day. Its advanced search filters make it simple to find new nonprofits by mission category, budget size, communities served, and leadership demographics. Additionally, if you partner with us, you have access to an expert, local team to provide personalized recommendations on highly effective organizations that could benefit from your giving circle’s support.
6. Lead the Way
While giving circles are collaborative, leadership is essential. Delegate tasks, engage members, set clear goals, and ensure everyone contributes to the circle’s success.
7. Evaluate Grantees Thoughtfully
Respect grantees’ time by providing clear expectations and resources.
- Will nominations come from members only?
- Will you require written applications or presentations?
- What questions will guide your decision-making?
- Will grantees provide follow-up reports or updates?
If you partner with us, we can promote your opportunities, manage applications, and facilitate grant review meetings to simplify the process.
9. Reflect and Refine
Regularly assess your giving circle’s progress and ensure members feel engaged and valued. Adjust your goals and processes as needed to maintain momentum.
8. Spread the News
Announce your grants and share feedback with nonprofits that weren’t selected. If you use a Giving Circle Fund, we can manage award notifications and grant disbursements on your behalf.
10. Reflect
By hosting your giving circle with a Giving Circle Fund at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, you’ll gain:
- Access to exclusive tools, resources, and meeting spaces
- Flexible gift options to grow your impact
- Streamlined administration through an online portal
- Personalized support from our professional team
- Investment expertise to grow your philanthropic resources
- Visibility and networking opportunities to strengthen connections
Your giving circle has the power to create meaningful change and build a stronger community. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your reach, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation is here to help. Contact us to turn your vision into a lasting legacy.
