WASHINGTON - Women across the country are changing the way Americans give to charity. Known as giving circles, small groups of friends and acquaintances are coming together to pool their money to make a real difference in their communities.

A new report by New Ventures in Philanthropy, an initiative of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, reveals that giving circles are a growing phenomenon. Giving circles involve thousands of women across the country who are donating millions of dollars to worthy causes.

Sondra Shaw-Hardy of Traverse City, Mich., formed a giving circle after experiencing frustration over women being left out of traditional philanthropy. "A decade ago, women weren't being asked to be donors and people didn't realize they had the means to be philanthropists," said Shaw-Hardy.

The 60 members of The Three Generations Circle of Women each contribute $1,000 annually to support charities working to stop domestic abuse. "Giving circles are about taking control and making your money work," said Shaw-Hardy.

Even women of very modest means can start a giving circle. Each month, the members of Dining for Women in Greenville, S.C., gather for a potluck dinner at one member's home. The women pool the money they would have spent on dinner out - about $30 each - and donate it to a different organization each month.

"Starting something big is easy," said Jessica Bearman, New Ventures deputy director. "Just about any social group - church groups, book clubs, or girls' nights out - can become a giving circle by collectively giving to charities in their area."

If you're thinking about starting a giving circle, Bearman suggests the following first steps:

New Ventures in Philanthropy

New Ventures in Philanthropy

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