New Research Shows Multi-Billion Dollar Growth in Collective Giving
New research from Philanthropy Together, in partnership with lead researchers at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University and Colmena-Consulting, shows an abundant surge in generosity from everyday people over the last seven years, with participation in collective giving growing to 4,000 groups contributing over $3.1 billion to social good causes—more than doubling their impact since similar research was conducted.
With 370,000 giving circle members engaged across the United States, the research, “In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.” found that as a result of group participation in collective giving, 77% of respondents reported an increased belief that their voices matter when it comes to social issues, and 53% reported a positive impact on their ability to engage in discussions with dissenting voices.
Nearly 6 in 10 said their participation in giving circles—overwhelmingly led by women—increased their advocacy for issues that matter to them and more than half said their participation has led to increased physical, intellectual, and/or spiritual health. This comes at a time where considerable research connects the dots between increasing social isolation and declining civic engagement. These findings are heartening, considering the U.S. no longer ranks among the world’s 20 happiest countries.
“This research shows that participation in giving circles can help bridge the divides that are leading to increased anxiety, anger, and loneliness plaguing so many Americans,” said Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together. “Being part of a giving circle can change how people see things, making them feel more connected and purposeful. Giving circles’ popularity is booming, which is great news because it means more people can have healthy conversations with people about dissenting views, making our country better.”
Key Findings
- Collective giving is a rapidly expanding movement: Between 2017 and 2023, close to 4,000 groups mobilized approximately 370,000 philanthropists, collectively contributing over $3.1 billion towards various causes—doubling its impact and membership since 2016, when research found there were 1,600 giving circles, with more than 150,000 people participating and $1.29 billion contributed.
- Collective giving increases civic engagement and political advocacy: 59% reported that participation in collective giving increased their advocacy for issues that matter to them personally, indicating a heightened sense of civic responsibility and activism.
- Collective giving improves members’ health, wellness, and agency: 77% expressed an increased belief in their social influence and feeling that their voices mattered on social issues. 55% experienced a positive impact on their ability to lead healthy lives.
- Collective giving groups center equity and fund marginalized communities: Collective giving groups showed much more interest in supporting human rights than U.S. foundations (Foundation Directory, 2024), and when they did, 81% prioritized racial equity, 73% social rights, and 70% gender equity.
- Collective giving is emerging as a promising space for donor education and organizing: Collective giving groups play a crucial role in enhancing members' understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, 77% experienced positive learning impacts in these areas as a result of their participation
- Collective giving groups are overwhelmingly led by women: 84% reported that more than half of members identify as women and 43% of groups are formed around this identity
“As we embrace the transformative findings of this research, it’s evident that collective giving holds the power to reshape philanthropy for the better,” said Co-author Dr. Adriana Loson-Ceballos, Ph.D. of Colmena-Consulting. “We must heed the call to action, taking intentional actions to create a more inclusive philanthropic landscape. We stand committed to championing inclusive practices and collaboration within the philanthropic sector. Let us seize the opportunity to amplify diverse voices, break down barriers to participation, and drive meaningful change for our communities.”
Based on these survey findings, lead researchers recommend that:
- Philanthropic institutions support, collaborate with, and learn from collective giving organizations.
- Members and leaders of collective giving organizations expand outreach and inclusion by identifying and removing remaining barriers to participation and prioritizing efforts to engage a diverse range of participants.
- Individual donors consider establishing or joining collective giving groups to maximize the impact of individual philanthropy.
- Philanthropic and financial advisors educate clients about the benefits of collective giving and assist them in identifying and engaging with collective groups aligned with their philanthropic goals and values.
- Academics undertake further research on collective giving to deepen shared understanding of this movement and its potential.
- Nonprofits and frontline social change leaders seek funding opportunities with collective giving groups and leverage principles and practices to bolster fundraising efforts.
“The shift towards inclusive philanthropy is awe-inspiring, with giving circles empowering women and communities of color like never before,” said Co-author Dr. Michael Layton, Ph.D. of Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. “This original research highlights the vital role of giving circles in mobilizing everyday givers to contribute to their communities with their Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and Ties, which inspires greater civic engagement and promotes social cohesion within communities. Giving circles are reshaping the future of philanthropy, fostering inclusivity, and driving meaningful change across the U.S.”
Giving circles are also inspiring another generation of philanthropists. Teens who struggled during the pandemic with isolation are forming their own giving circles to make changes in their communities.
“I’ve seen giving circles help teens from different backgrounds find connections by working together to better their communities and tackle issues they care about,” said Lily Messing, founder of 100+ Teens Who Care giving circle. “The pandemic’s isolation took a toll on mental health, but giving circles have provided so many teens I know with a supportive platform to connect over shared passions and make a difference on causes they care about. They’ve truly been life lines for so many people.”
View the full report here.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.
