Association of Fundraising Professionals :: Webinars :: Downloadable Webinars :: Giving Circles and Fundraising in the New Philanthropy Environment

Giving circles are emerging in popularity among donors across the United States and elsewhere. These community-based funding vehicles entail individuals pooling their resources and then deciding together where these should be distributed. To varying degrees, giving circles also include social, educational and engagement opportunities. This presentation will provide information on the giving circle landscape, based on several studies of giving circles, with special attention given to the impacts of giving circles on donor-members and nonprofit funding recipients.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, you will:

1. Have a better understanding of giving circles and the philanthropic environment from which they have emerged

2. Understand how participating in giving circles affects giving circle donor-members

3. Understand the impacts of giving circles on nonprofit funding recipients

4. Understand how to best respond to and work with giving circles and their members

Target Audience: Nonprofit executives and fundraisers/development officers at all levels in the United States and Canada

About the Presenters:

Angela Eikenberry is an assistant professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her book on giving circles will be published by Indiana University Press in spring 2009.

Jessica Bearman is an independent consultant, focusing on organization development, facilitation, and project research and development for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. She has written and spoken widely about new and established philanthropy and is the author of several reports and articles about giving circles.