Giving Circles: The Overlooked Ally in Grant Writing

Grant writing is often viewed as a solo pursuit—one person researching, writing, and applying for funds behind the scenes. But the truth is, successful grant strategies require much more than technical skill. They require infrastructure, relationships, and reliable funding.

That’s why giving circles are gaining traction in the philanthropic space. They’re not just an alternative to traditional fundraising. When used strategically, they can strengthen your organization's capacity to win and manage grants.

What is a Giving Circle?

A giving circle is a group of individuals who pool their financial contributions and decide together how those funds are distributed. These groups are often guided by shared values or a specific geographic focus, and the funds they provide are typically flexible, meaning they aren’t restricted to a specific project or line item.

Nonprofits can benefit from donor-led giving circles, or they can create their own. In either case, this model builds stronger relationships between donors and grantees, while also providing a consistent stream of support that many grant-funded organizations need to remain competitive.

Why This Matters for Grant Writing

At Grounded in Equity, we work with dozens of organizations that do excellent work but are under-resourced when it comes to the behind-the-scenes labor of fundraising.

Giving circles help close that gap.

They can support:

• General operating expenses, including salaries for grant writers or development staff

• Capacity-building efforts, like CRM systems, professional development, or program evaluation

• Match requirements, helping your organization unlock larger institutional grants

They also signal community support, which can strengthen your grant applications. Many funders look for evidence that an organization has local buy-in and diversified revenue streams. A giving circle provides both.

Beyond the Dollars: Education, Advocacy, and Engagement

Some giving circles go further than fundraising. They host community education events, volunteer with the organizations they fund, and advocate for policies that benefit grantee partners. These additional efforts can inform your program design, align your mission with current legislative trends, and create new pathways for collaboration.

When donors are more engaged, they become stronger allies, not just in dollars, but in influence.

Practical Tips for Starting a Giving Circle

If you’re considering this approach, start small. You don’t need a large donor base or a national reach.

Begin with:

• A group of committed supporters (board alumni, program volunteers, or community champions)

• A clear purpose or theme for the circle (e.g., maternal health, youth arts, neighborhood safety)

• A simple engagement structure: monthly or quarterly gatherings, pooled donations, and shared decision-making

You can use platforms like Grapevine or Philanthropy Together to manage the logistics, or manage it in-house with low overhead. The key is consistency and transparency.

Giving circles are not a substitute for grant writing. But they can be a powerful complement. They offer flexibility, foster community, and sustain the very infrastructure that helps you write competitive proposals and steward long-term funding.

If you’re building a fundraising strategy that balances grants with grassroots giving, this model is worth exploring.

At Grounded in Equity, we help nonprofits design integrated development plans that align with their mission and funding landscape. Giving circles are just one tool in the toolbox, but one that more organizations should be using.