Sustainable Fundraising, Donor Growth & Community Impact
- Nonprofit Learning Lab
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
This is a guest blog by Grapevine.
Traditional nonprofit fundraising methods like grants, major gifts, and annual appeals have long been the backbone of charitable giving. However, as community-driven philanthropy gains momentum, one powerful tool stands out for its ability to expand donor bases, strengthen donor engagement, and drive sustainable giving: Giving Circles.
What Are Giving Circles?
Giving Circles are groups of individuals who pool their funds and collectively decide where to donate, making philanthropy a more personal and community-driven experience. These groups foster deeper donor engagement, create long-term support networks for nonprofits, and have an average membership length of 7.5 years, reflecting their long-term commitment to philanthropy. They are the fastest-growing form of philanthropy today, with nearly 4,000 Giving Circles mobilizing approximately 370,000 philanthropists who have collectively contributed over $3.1 billion in charitable giving over the last five years alone.
Total Number of Years an Individual has Been a Member of any Collective Giving Group from the 2023 report, "In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S." by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy.
Why Nonprofits Should Pay Attention
Giving Circles aren’t just another fundraising trend—they are a unique and sustainable way for nonprofits to expand their donor base, cultivate deeper relationships, and secure ongoing financial support. Here’s why your nonprofit should consider engaging with Giving Circles:
Unrestricted Funding – Unlike grant funding, Giving Circle donations are often flexible, allowing nonprofits to allocate resources where they’re needed most.
Built-in Donor Engagement – Giving Circles create highly engaged donors who are personally invested in the success of your organization. According to the 2023 report In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S. by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, 60% of Giving Circle members reported an increase in time volunteered, and two-thirds contributed additional non-monetary support to their groups' grant recipients. This leads to stronger donor retention and increased lifetime giving.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Expansion – Members of Giving Circles bring their personal networks into their philanthropic efforts, meaning your nonprofit can gain visibility and support from an extended community.
Mission-Aligned Giving – Many Giving Circles are formed around shared causes and communities, ensuring that the funds you receive are from donors already passionate about your nonprofit’s mission.
How to Connect with Giving Circles on Grapevine
Grapevine is the leading platform for Giving Circles, helping nonprofits tap into these powerful donor communities. Here’s how your organization can benefit:
Find and Connect with Giving Circles – Grapevine makes it easy for nonprofits to discover and engage with Giving Circles. Leverage the Global Giving Circle Directory on Grapevine to find and research Giving Circles near you and aligned with your cause. Ask Your Volunteers and Supporters to Advocate for You – Encourage your supporters to join relevant Giving Circles and be your nonprofit’s advocate within these groups.
Start a Giving Circle for Your Organization – Nonprofits can create their own Giving Circle to rally supporters, engage their community, and establish or expand a recurring donor base. By starting a Giving Circle, your organization can cultivate a network of dedicated donors who are passionate about your mission and want to connect with other like-minded people, ensuring long-term sustainability and support.
Get Started Today
By engaging with Giving Circles on Grapevine, your nonprofit can unlock a new source of funding while building a community of dedicated supporters.
Ready to explore how Giving Circles can fuel your mission? Search the Global Giving Circle Directory today and start connecting with engaged donors who are eager to support causes like yours!