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What is a Giving Circle?

A giving circle is a group of people who come together to learn, share, and support causes they care about. Members contribute what they can—money, time, skills, or ideas—combine their resources, explore community needs, and decide together where to give. Along the way, they build connections, share ideas, and experience the power of working together to make a difference.

Youth-led giving circles are created and led by young people, for young people. They come together to explore the issues that matter most, learn about organizations making a difference, and take action through giving and service. In doing so, they show that leadership has no age limit, and that their voices, ideas, and actions can create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

Lead a Giving Circle

Anyone can lead a giving circle! Our guide makes it easy to get started, whether you’re a young person or supporting youth in your community. Inside, you’ll find everything you need—from recruiting participants to learning about causes and identifying organizations to support.

The guide includes a full curriculum with suggested discussion topics and activities for each meeting, but it’s flexible so you can make the experience your own. Use it to launch your giving circle and bring people together to learn, share, and take action in a way that makes a meaningful difference in your community!

Get Started!

Download the guide and discover how to launch your youth-led giving circle.

Download Now

Why Lead a Giving Circle?

  • Amplify your impact – Work together to make a bigger impact than you could alone
  • Connect with others – Form meaningful connections and gain new perspectives
  • Discover new opportunities – Explore causes, volunteer experiences, and organizations you might not have found on your own
  • Build leadership skills – Take the lead in planning, decision-making, and action
  • Shape your community – Give back to causes you care about and see real-world results

“Being in the giving circle has made me feel more connected to the community and more aware of the impact even small contributions can have. It showed me that giving back isn’t just about donating money—it’s about listening.”

- Youth Giving Circle Participant

“It made me realize I have the ability to do more in my community than I thought before. ”

- Youth Giving Circle Participant

“This giving circle experience really helped me see the value of thoughtful, collective action. It showed me that even small contributions, when combined with others’ efforts, can create meaningful change.”

- Youth Giving Circle Participant

“I loved hearing what the people around me saw in our community. Different people see both values and struggles in our community differently. So it opened my eyes to some things I haven’t seen.”

- Youth Giving Circle Leader

“Being in the giving circle made me more interested in giving back because I saw how even small contributions can help make a positive change in the community.

- Youth Giving Circle Participant

“I gained a better understanding of how listening to others’ experiences helps identify what the community truly needs.

- Youth Giving Circle Participant

“The most meaningful part was hearing directly from community members and organizations about the challenges they face and the solutions they’re implementing. It made the issues feel real and personal, rather than abstract, and helped me understand how even small contributions—when coordinated thoughtfully—can make a significant difference.”

- Youth Giving Circle Participant
Discover More Giving Circle Resources