In this inspiring episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Emily Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Grapevine, to explore the growing movement of giving circles and how collaborative philanthropy is reshaping the future of charitable giving. Emily shares how giving circles empower everyday people to pool their donations, learn together, and collectively support causes they care about most. Through community, conversation, and shared decision-making, she explains how philanthropy becomes more accessible, relational, and impactful for donors at every financial level. Throughout the conversation, Emily highlights how giving circles democratize philanthropy by creating space for more people to participate meaningfully in charitable giving. Rather than limiting philanthropy to large foundations or high-net-worth donors, giving circles encourage people to come together with modest contributions that collectively create significant impact. “We’re all philanthropists,” Emily explains, emphasizing that anyone can give in a meaningful way regardless of income level. The model not only amplifies donations, but also creates opportunities for education, collaboration, and deeper connection around community needs and social issues. One of the most compelling themes in the discussion is the role giving circles play in strengthening belonging and trust at a time when many communities feel increasingly disconnected. Emily shares research showing that 91% of giving circle participants reported an increased sense of belonging to their community. She describes giving circles as spaces where people can come together across different backgrounds and perspectives, united not necessarily by identical viewpoints, but by shared care for their communities. “People want more connection across difference,” she notes, explaining how structured, collaborative philanthropy can help bridge divides while creating positive social engagement. The conversation also explores how technology is helping expand this movement far beyond local gatherings. Through Grapevine’s platform, giving circles can organize virtually, support nonprofits across the country, and sustain long-term recurring giving communities. Emily explains that many nonprofits are now beginning to adopt giving-circle-style models themselves, recognizing that donors increasingly want community and engagement, not just transactional fundraising asks. One particularly striking insight shared during the episode is that while only about 2% of new nonprofit donations are typically set up to recur, more than 50% of donations made through Grapevine communities are recurring gifts. This reflects a broader shift toward relationship-based philanthropy where donors feel personally connected to both the mission and the people giving alongside them. Ultimately, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for the future of philanthropy, one where generosity becomes more collaborative, more inclusive, and more deeply rooted in community. Emily’s work reminds listeners that meaningful impact does not require extraordinary wealth; it begins when ordinary people come together with shared purpose, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference together. Key Takeaways:Giving circles help democratize philanthropy by making giving accessible to more people.Collective giving creates stronger emotional connection, belonging, and community engagement.Donors increasingly seek collaborative, relationship-driven philanthropic experiences.Technology is expanding the reach and accessibility of giving circles globally.Small recurring gifts, when pooled together, can create significant and sustainable impact. Connections: Connect with Emily RasmussenConnect With Rick PeckFor more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to Charitable Giving News for You.
