Giving circles are changing the face of community philanthropy across the United States. From small groups of friends meeting over drinks to large organizations with their own nonprofit status and staff, giving circles have grown significantly in visibility and popularity over the last 20+ years.

This report is among the first to examine the current scope, scale, and significance of giving circles and other models of collective giving in the U.S. It underscores the leadership role that women are playing in driving this new model of philanthropy.