Across the American South, Black women are reshaping philanthropy by pooling their resources, supporting grassroots organisations and directing funding towards communities that have historically received less philanthropic investment.
Through collective giving circles, these women are creating an alternative to traditional grantmaking, where funding decisions are often made by large institutions far removed from the communities they seek to serve. Their approach places relationships, shared decision-making and community knowledge at the centre of how money is raised and distributed.
The movement responds to a persistent funding gap. Black women and girls have historically received less than one per cent of the $4.8 billion in philanthropic investments directed towards the South, according to figures highlighted by the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. For organisations led by Black women, this disparity can mean struggling to secure the resources needed to sustain programmes, expand their reach and respond to local needs.
Giving circles are helping address this imbalance by bringing people together to contribute what they can, decide collectively which organisations to support and build relationships beyond the act of donating. The model allows members to combine their financial contributions with their professional expertise, personal networks and time.
Among the groups advancing this approach is Geaux Girl Giving in New Orleans, Louisiana. The collective focuses on supporting Black women-led organisations and creating opportunities for Black girls and young women through leadership development, creativity, mental wellness and civic engagement. Its approach combines grantmaking with relationship-building, recognising that community organisations often need connections and practical support alongside funding.
In Mobile, Alabama, the Society of Clotilda centres its work on the wellbeing of Black women and their children while supporting African American arts and cultural expression. Its approach links philanthropy with cultural preservation, community healing and efforts to improve the wellbeing of families.
In Texas, the HERitage Giving Fund works to address the underfunding of Black-led nonprofits by pooling contributions and providing grants, visibility and advocacy. The fund also supports leadership development and collaboration, helping organisations strengthen their capacity to serve their communities.
These initiatives demonstrate how giving circles can extend their influence beyond the distribution of money. By building networks among donors, nonprofit leaders and community members, they can help organisations access knowledge, partnerships and opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach.
The importance of this support is particularly clear for smaller grassroots organisations. Many are deeply connected to the communities they serve and understand local challenges firsthand, but lack the fundraising infrastructure or institutional relationships needed to compete for larger grants. Funding models that prioritise community knowledge and shared decision-making can help bring these organisations into the philanthropic process.
The approach also challenges the idea that meaningful philanthropy depends on having substantial personal wealth. Collective giving allows individuals to contribute according to their means while participating in decisions about how shared resources are used. The combined contributions can then support projects that individual donors might not be able to finance alone.
For organisations receiving grants, the value can be both financial and personal. Being supported by people who understand their mission can provide affirmation, strengthen confidence and create relationships that continue beyond an initial award.
The wider movement reflects a growing interest in participatory philanthropy, which gives communities a greater role in determining which issues
