There have been numerous reports written on mega-wealthy donors, but little research conducted on everyday philanthropists until a recent study conducted by Angela Eikenberry and Jessica Bearman. They focused on giving circles, one of the fastest growing vehicles for philanthropy. Their research revealed there are more than 400 giving circles, engaging more than 12,000 donors and giving close to $100 million over the course of their existence.
Key findings from the report are:
- Donors in giving circles give more, give more strategically, and are more engaged in their communities.
- The more engaged in a giving circle a donor is, the more they express a sense of civic responsibility.
- Giving circles increase members’ knowledge about philanthropy, nonprofits, and the community.
When Bearman was asked what are the next big questions for giving circle research, she responded, “I’d love to see someone look at the particular characteristics and impacts of giving circles that focus on giving within diverse communities. These circles are very exciting as powerful philanthropic avenues for communities that have not had access to mainstream philanthropy in the past.”
One giving circle that may be of interest to Bearman is The Neutral Ground, a giving circle with such multi-cultural partners as the Human Rights Campaign, Puentes, the Urban League of New Orleans, the Vietnamese American Youth Leadership Association (VAYLA), and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Totally online, The Neutral Ground brings together a diverse group of organizations to address inter-group issues. In its first year, the 25-member group will grant $10,000 to organizations or projects projects addressing intergroup issues.
The Neutral Ground is scheduled to launch mid-November. If you would like more information on being a member, please email Juliana@gnof.org. Click here to read the full report on giving circles, The Impact of Giving Together.
