Giving Circles, structure and governance

‘Giving circles’ are a form of collective giving that has been gaining momentum in Australia over the past few years. This participatory model involves donors making a specific contribution– ranging anywhere from $100 up to $10,000 per annum – into a pooled fund, then educating themselves about community issues through social events and other activities. 100% of all membership fees are given to charities that are selected and voted upon by members. 

Major donor gifts will be pooled into the sub-fund and invested in the Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation's Focused Portfolio, to be grown into perpetuity to ensure sustainability of the fund. As required by all sub-funds in Australia, 4% of the income that is generated from the portfolio will be donated to the selected charities in addition to the donations made by memberships.