Giving and generosity are about love, caring for others, and connecting. Traditional philanthropy, however, has often overlooked women, communities of color, and marginalized communities. Too often, we hear stories from Latinos who share with us that they’ve never been asked to give. This is counter to what we’ve come to know as a people-powered movement for good in the Latino community.

Latinos in the United States are finding innovative ways to support each other and at the heart of that movement are giving circles – groups of people with a shared purpose who pool donations and decide together where to give their money. They have reshaped the landscape of giving, fostering a sense of community like never before. Over the past decade, the Latino Community Foundation’s Latino Giving Circle Network has launched more than 20 giving circles, mobilizing over 1,000 members. Collectively, they’ve invested over $2.9 million in more than 150 Latino-led grassroots organizations across California.

As Latino philanthropists, we understand the disparities in philanthropic investments all too well. A paltry 1 percent of all philanthropic investments go to the Latino community. That’s why we are harnessing our collective power to address the funding gap and create lasting change for our people.

A recent evaluation of the Latino Giving Circle Network showed that 76 percent of our members remain engaged in circles to directly support and serve Latino-led organizations. Through this collective giving model, we can tap into the innate generosity ingrained in our DNA. For us, giving is more than just a financial transaction, it’s an investment of love and resources.

Giving circles tackle socio-economic disparities and champion social justice, enabling proactive community involvement in future developments. They facilitate meaningful conversations, education, and decision-making.

For instance, the Stanislaus Latino Giving Circle engaged the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, pushing for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support farmworkers and undocumented families with bonus pay and legal services. Their efforts, including a petition with around 400 signatures, culminated in March 2023 with the allocation of $1 million to establish the county’s first farmworker resource center.

Beyond financial contributions, giving circles serve as safe havens, creating genuine connections and a sense of belonging. Ninety-four percent of the Latino Giving Circle Network members said they felt less alone after joining their circle and 72 percent experienced a positive effect on their wellness by being part of a giving circle.

For newer immigrants, these circles provide a supportive community, a home away from home in an unfamiliar place. They allow for a space where Latinos navigating predominantly white areas don’t have to adjust their language and behavior to fit in, and where their children can embrace and learn what the Latino community has to offer. Members can find a sense of connection to something greater than themselves, they are part of something that is their culture and their family, that catalyzes their giving to spark action.

Unlike traditional philanthropy, which has been a select few deciding the impact on many, giving circles prioritize grassroots leadership and autonomy. Through trust-based funding, we are democratizing philanthropy, empowering local leaders to address community needs, and amplifying marginalized voices.

By embracing collective giving, we’re addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for long-term community resilience. Whether through joining existing giving circles or starting new ones, each of us has the opportunity to be a part of this transformative movement, where collective action leads to collective impact.

Join a giving circle today and experience the benefits of community support firsthand. Together, we can create positive change in Latino communities. Here’s a list of giving circles that support Latino issues, or learn how to start your own giving circle by joining Launchpad For You, an interactive virtual training program.

Sara Lomelin is the CEO of Philanthropy Together

Anais Amaya is the Director of the Latino Community Foundation’s Latino Giving Circle Network.