What is a Donor Circle?
Hi, everyone!
My name is Catherine Brooks, and I'm the CEO of Equitable Philanthropy. Thank you so much for reading—and now listening—on my Substack! I was excited to see that Substack has a video option because, as many of you know, I love talking about philanthropy and strategic giving.
I just got off the phone with an amazing client who is setting up a donor circle, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share some insights with you. What exactly is a donor circle? How does it differ from a giving circle? And if you're involved in a nonprofit, how might you think about establishing one to drive sustainable funding?
What is a Donor Circle?
A donor circle is a structured group of engaged supporters who contribute financially to a shared cause while fostering a deeper connection with the organisation. Unlike traditional one-time donations, donor circles create community-driven philanthropy, encouraging long-term engagement.
How is a Donor Circle Different from a Giving Circle?
While both models center on collective giving, a giving circle is typically a peer-led philanthropic group where members pool their funds and decide together where to direct their collective giving. A donor circle, however, is usually established and facilitated by a nonprofit to create a sustained group of committed donors who invest in the organisation's long-term impact.
Should Your Nonprofit Start a Donor Circle?
If your organization is looking to:
✔ Develop a sustainable funding model
✔ Engage donors in meaningful, ongoing relationships
✔ Create an exclusive community of supporters
Then a donor circle could be a great strategy for your nonprofit!
It can also be great if you don’t yet have a strong mid-major donor support base, or you’d like to strengthen your major donor funding strategy. Rather than asking for one big donation, you start with a smaller ask, and assess through donor circle events the level of commitment and ability each donor has.
Where to Start?
Define Your Purpose – What will the donor circle support? A specific program? General operations? Scholarships?
Identify Potential Founding Members – Who in your current network is deeply engaged and could become ambassadors? Who on your Board or in your network could give but haven’t been asked appropriately yet?
Create a Compelling Engagement Plan – How will members be involved beyond financial giving? Will you offer behind-the-scenes experiences, private events, or exclusive updates? I have so many wonderful examples of what you could offer to members, even if you think you have nothing to contribute, trust me there are lots of ways people want to get engage and learn more about your important work.
Final Thoughts
I love working with organisations to help them build donor circles that strengthen their philanthropic reach and create long-term impact. If you're curious about whether a donor circle is the right fit for your nonprofit, let's start the conversation.
Let me know in the comments—have you been part of a donor circle or a giving circle? What worked well? What challenges did you face? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Watch the video for more insights, and thanks for being part of this community!
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