FAQS

What is a giving circle?

"Giving Circles are a form of philanthropy consisting of groups of individuals who pool their funds and other resources to donate to their communities and seek to increase their awareness and engagement in the process of giving. Through this process, they seek to impact their own communities or larger areas - including to have global impacts. The circles can serve as a form of shared, or collective, giving in the context of community economic development or other social ventures."

How does the GGC select the organizations it supports?

We go through a due diligence process not unlike what a financial analyst does to research a possible stock or mutual fund for any given client. This involves going to organizations which GGC members are aware of to ask for recommendations of organizations to support; talking to on the ground journalists and documentary/news photographers who have worked for a long time in a particular area that we are interested in impacting and asking them for their suggestions; talking to other philanthropic circles, resources, etc. for help.

Can I recommend or help select the organizations which receive funding from the GCC?

Yes. Please email shana@globalgivingcircle.org and let her know how you would like to get involved in the selection process and what experience you bring.

Is the GGC a 501(c)(3) organization?

The GGC is actively seeking a law firm to work pro-bono in order to set up a 501(c)(3) organization.

Will I get a tax deduction for my contribution?

Until we have established our 501(c)(3) status, we will be working with non-profit organizations where donors in our network will be able to give to them directly through Google Checkout, Amazon, Pay Pal, etc. or we will collect all the money at an event and send a check of the collective money raised and donors will receive tax deduction letters directly from the recipient organization. In other cases we will select international, grass roots initiatives and organizations where a tax deduction to a US donor will not be possible.

How do donations raised get to the charities selected?

The Global Giving Circle will either send donations through an organization's secure electronic portal like Google Checkout, Amazon, Pay Pal, a wire transfer or a check from the GGC. In some cases we may set up a direct "donate" button from our site to the recipient organization's site.

Is the GGC a membership organization?

Until its official launch in December of 2009, the Global Giving Circle is open to all to join and participate in for free. Part of the launch will include a member section which offers valuable resources to the network.

How much of what I donate actually gets to the charity?

This will depend on a number of circumstances. That said, none of the donations we receive from individuals will go to any GGC operating costs.

What can I do to help other than donate?

Please visit the How To Get Involved Section.

How can I spread the word?

You can encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join our eNewsletter and come to our events.