Giving circles are a growing global movement where people with shared values come together and give collectively. Giving circles not only provide financial support, but also raise awareness and encourage volunteerism.
Two local giving circles, the Orchid Giving Circle and Village Giving Circle, joined CFT earlier this year. In addition to managing their technical platforms and grantmaking efforts, CFT provides the giving circles access to our local philanthropic expertise to further amplify their impact. In celebration of these new partnerships, CFT provided a $25,000 matching grant to each organization.
The Orchid Giving Circle
The Orchid Giving Circle at CFT is a group of local Asian women who collaborate, pool their resources, and leverage their networks to generate grants that support social change and services benefitting the North Texas Asian community. Orchid members represent a wide range of Asian cultures, ages, and professions.
The Orchid Giving Circle celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 2015, the circle has granted over $2 million to 60 local organizations. This year marked a record amount in grants: a total of $463,100 to 31 nonprofit organizations and three leadership development grants. Their grant focus areas include education, domestic violence, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services. They prioritize nonprofits that empower women and girls and place an emphasis on funding female-led organizations.
“The Orchid Giving Circle is a growing Asian sisterhood that provides grants and fosters philanthropy,” said Mylinh Luong, current Chair of the Orchid Giving Circle. “We’re thrilled to partner with CFT to support our collective impact.”
Learn more, donate, or become a member of the Orchid Giving Circle
The Village Giving Circle
The Village Giving Circle at CFT was founded in 2017 by nine Black women who believe in the power of investing resources in organizations and initiatives that positively impact the Black community and address unmet needs.
The Village Giving Circle now has more than 75 members who help further their ability to expand the legacy of giving that has existed for generations among Black women. They’ve supported 40 local nonprofits since their launch, with more than $1.4 million in grants awarded. This year, they awarded $150,000 to 10 organizations focused on arts and culture, economic security, education, health, social services, and youth.
“The Village Giving Circle harnesses the collective giving power and influence of African American and Black women philanthropists to fund nonprofits doing work that benefits Black communities,” said Rhonda Williams, Ph.D., Chair of the Village Giving Circle. “Our circle is a village built through a sisterhood of giving. Each act, each contribution, is a thread that binds us together in a shared purpose — to uplift, empower, and make a positive impact. We seek to multiply the force of positive change.”
Learn more, donate, or become a member of the Village Giving Circle
This story was originally featured in our 2024 annual report. For additional details and content, click here.
