[5][6][7] Giving circles can function as informal groups or be more formally administered by a community foundation[5] or hosted by a nonprofit organization.
[20] In 2021, the nonprofit organization Philanthropy Together created a searchable global database of more than 2500 giving circles on the Grapevine online platform.
[21] A study conducted in 2005 by Angela M. Eikenberry found giving circles generally bring both long-time and new philanthropists to organized philanthropy.
[2] In 1995, American philanthropist Colleen Willoughby founded the Washington Women's Foundation with a collective giving structure,[22] and by 2007, the group grew to 460 members.
[25] The Funding Network is a UK-based giving circle that began in 2002 and runs Dragons' Den-style events for donors and charities.
[32] AAPIP has also created a national giving circle network, and a Queer Justice Fund to support AAPI LGBT organizations.