Explore the ecosystem
Not one model. A family of models.
Giving together is what happens when people pool money, knowledge, relationships, and decision-making to support the communities and causes they care about.
Compare
How the models compare
| Model | Who participates | How decisions are made | Best for | Typical needs | Examples | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giving Circles | Peers pooling small amounts | Members vote / consensus | Community building + local grants | Facilitator, host org | Awesome Foundation, Amplifier | Details |
| Collaborative Funds | Donors of varied sizes | Advisory / participatory | Movement-scale funding | Backbone org, staff | Solidaire, Groundswell | Details |
| Mutual Aid Funds | Neighbors, community members | Trust-based, rapid | Direct, immediate needs | Coordinators, banking | NYC Mutual Aid | Details |
| Women’s / Feminist Funds | Feminist donors & activists | Participatory grantmaking | Gender & racial justice | Movement infrastructure | Fondo Semillas, Mama Cash | Details |
| Community-Led Funds | Community members most impacted | Community decides | Shifting power, trust-based | Facilitation, patient capital | Africans Rising | Details |
| Institution-Hosted | DAFs, foundations, workplaces | Structured within host | Scaling giving inside institutions | Host commitment | Community Foundations | Details |
Ecosystem map
From individuals to communities
1
Individuals
→
2
Groups
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3
Networks
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4
Funds
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5
Institutions
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6
Communities
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7
Field builders
Every part of the ecosystem strengthens the others. Individuals become groups. Groups form networks. Networks resource funds. Funds partner with institutions. Institutions serve communities. Field builders keep learning flowing across all of it.
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