A Movement, Not a Moment: The Power of Giving Circles in Times of Need

Across the nation and around the world, giving circles unite people to pool their resources and invest in grassroots, community-based organizations. We are more than donors—we are neighbors, advocates, and changemakers. And as a people-powered philanthropic ecosystem, we are always listening.

Right now, we hear our nonprofit partners sounding the alarm. They are navigating devastating wildfires, funding cuts, and policies that threaten the very communities they serve. They are showing up every day for people in crisis. The question is: Will we show up for them?

The answer is clear:  We must.

Many of us may feel uncertain about what to do in moments like these. But collective giving was built for times of crisis. Giving circles remove barriers, move resources quickly, and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines. Now is the time to take action.

What We Can Do—Together

1. Give Your Time & Talent → Show Up and Ask

• Pick up the phone. Call a nonprofit leader. Ask, What do you need today?
• Offer your skills. Are you a lawyer? Help navigate policy changes. A marketer? Spread their message. An organizer? Mobilize volunteers. Your time and expertise are just as valuable as dollars.

2. Give Your Treasure → Move Money, No Strings Attached

• Send funds now, no red tape. Giving circles have the power to mobilize unrestricted dollars immediately.
• Give bigger, stretch further. If you’ve ever considered increasing your giving, this is the moment to do it.

3. Give Your Testimony → Amplify Their Voices

• Share their stories. Who is doing critical work in your community? Post about them. Introduce them to funders. Bring them into conversations they’re too often left out of.
• Call your representatives. Advocate for policies that protect funding for grassroots organizations. Your voice carries weight. Use it.

4. Give Your Ties → Activate Your Network

• Rally your circle. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues into this movement.
• Leverage your influence. Whether you have ten followers or ten thousand, someone is listening to you. Make sure they hear this: Now is the time to give.

This is What We Do.

Giving circles exist for moments like this. We don’t wait, we don’t hesitate, and we don’t let grassroots leaders stand alone. Whether in times of quiet progress or urgent crisis, we show up.

And we will continue to do so. Stand with us. Share this message with your giving circle and confirm your commitment. Not part of a giving circle? Join us. 

In action and solidarity,

Philanthropy Together’s Network Braintrust
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• 100 Who Care Alliance
• American Muslim Community Foundation
• Amplifier
• Black Funding Network
• Community Investment Network
• Grapevine
• Latino Community Foundation
• NEID Global
• Next Gen Giving Circle
• Philanos
• Radfund
• Social Venture Partners International
• Together Women Rise
• The Awesome Foundation
• The Funding Network
• The Funding Network Australia  
• The States Project