
A New Chapter in Collective Giving
January 21, 2025We all know we can accomplish more when we work together, and that includes giving together to support causes and strengthen communities. “Collective giving,” which provides accessible, effective pathways for individuals to invest in their communities by pooling resources like charitable dollars, is positioned to play an increasingly vital role in our philanthropic ecosystem. These community-led efforts help shift outdated notions about who gives to charity and how, while demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in addressing local challenges.
“Collective giving doesn’t just redistribute wealth — it redistributes power, allowing communities to take hold of their narratives and shape their futures,” says Community Foundation Collective Giving Officer Dawn Perry. “When we give together, we grow together.”

“Giving Circles” are one way of giving collectively, where passionate individuals pool together their time, talents, and resources to empower communities that have not received sufficient grantmaking investment — historically and repeatedly. There are four grantmaking Giving Circles at Rochester Area Community Foundation: the Rochester Women’s Giving Circle, LGBT+ Giving Circle, Latino Giving Circle, and the Black Giving Collective (formerly known as the African American Giving Initiative).
Giving Circles at the Community Foundation come in all shapes and sizes, with some having as few as 15 members and others as many as 160. In 2024, these Giving Circles awarded more than $230,000 in community grants supporting initiatives related to arts and culture, civic development and problem solving, economic mobility, education, racial equity and social justice, youth and families, and successful aging, health, and well-being.

One recent grant from the Latino Giving Circle supported the StoryWalk® at El Camino Trail, a bilingual literacy adventure that encourages community storytelling and culture. The grand unveiling brought classrooms from two local schools to walk and read the trail.
Beyond financial impact, Giving Circles serve as civic engagement accelerators. Members can get to know community issues on a deeper level by visiting local nonprofits, meeting nonprofit leaders, and learning about collaborative decision-making processes. This hands-on approach often inspires members to volunteer more and advocate for supported causes.
“I have met and forged meaningful relationships with other like-minded members as a result of being part of the circle,” says Yolanda Rios, a local attorney and Latino Giving Circle co-chair. “The Circle showcases the extraordinary spirit of giving that is inherent within Latinos. We are not merely recipients of grants but philanthropists ourselves.”

But Giving Circles are only one tool within the collective giving toolkit. In addition to the four circles, there are several endowed broad field of interest funds at the Community Foundation that welcome gifts of all sizes to help address critical needs in specific areas — today and into the future. A few examples of such funds include NextGen Young Professional’s Legacy Fund, the Developmental Disabilities Legacy Fund, and the Indigenous Communities Fund.
Individuals who want to have direct community impact and engage with democratic decision-making may be drawn to join a Giving Circle. “Circles are an attractive philanthropic vehicle because, together, the donors control how their funds are spent,” says Yolanda. Others who want to put their dollars to work to uplift specific communities without meeting fund minimums may see the appeal in giving through a broad field of interest fund.
If you or your clients are interested in learning more, please contact Dawn Perry at dperry@racf.org.
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