One is a group of dedicated South, East, and Southeast Asian women working together to support social change and services for the North Texas Asian community. The other has more than 75 members who are expanding the legacy of giving that has existed for generations among Black women. Both “Giving Circles” have joined Communities Foundation of Texas to help build thriving communities in North Texas.

To celebrate this new and expanded partnership, CFT is offering an opportunity for new donors to the Orchid Giving Circle and Village Giving Circle to earn matching dollars for each giving circle. CFT said it will match all new donations, dollar for dollar, to the Orchid Giving Circle and Village Giving Circle up to $50,000 (a $25,000 match is available for each).

“Communities Foundation of Texas seeks to grow community giving and expand community impact. Similar to the concept of CFT’s North Texas Giving Day, we believe in the impact of collective giving models and the power of pooling resources to address unmet needs,” CFT president and CEO Wayne White said in a statement. “These two growing organizations have a longstanding commitment to investing in our community, and we’re grateful to partner with them to double the impact of those who support their efforts. In addition to supporting their technical platforms and grantmaking, CFT will also provide the Giving Circles with access to our local philanthropic expertise to further amplify their efforts.”

Photo: Orchid Giving Circle

Giving circles are growing worldwide

Giving circles are a growing global movement, CFT noted. Citing Philanthropy Together, the organization said are now more than 2,500 active circles worldwide “giving intentionally and thoughtfully.”

Giving circles bring together people with shared values to collectively discuss and decide where to make pooled gifts, CFT added. Beyond support organizations with their funding, members also build awareness, volunteer, become board members, and more.

Village Giving Circle was founded by nine women in 2017

The Dallas-based Village Giving Circle was founded in 2017 by nine Black women seeking to help transform North Texas by investing their resources in nonprofits and initiatives that positively impact the Black community. Their goal: Encourage philanthropy among African-American women and combining their financial contributions to help local organizations address unmet needs.

According to the Communities Foundation, the Village Giving Circle’s grant focus areas include arts and culture, education, economic security, social services, health, and youth services. The organization has supported more than 30 nonprofits since its launch, granting a total of $1.3 million to date. Recent grantees include Abide Women’s Health Services, Mercy Street, I am a Golfer Foundation, Bold Idea, Promise House, G.O.L.F. 3:1, New Friends New Life, and more.

“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,” Rhonda Williams, Ph.D., Chair of the Village Giving Circle, said in a statement. “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.”

Orchid Giving Circle places emphasis on funding female-led orgs

Founded in 2015, the Orchid Giving Circle aims to raise awareness of the local Asian population, community needs, and knowledge about philanthropy. It supports the Asian-American community in North Texas through grants, community leadership, and fundraising events—while prioritizing the support of nonprofits that empower women and girls and placing an emphasis on funding female-led organizations.

Led by local Asian women, the giving circle focuses its grants on areas including education, domestic violence, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services. 

Since its launch, Orchid has raised $1.7 million and awarded grants to more than 40 organizations across Texas. In 2023 alone, CFT said, Orchid members raised a record $376,688 and awarded grants to 22 nonprofits based in North Texas. Recent grantees include Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars, Best Buddies, Mosaic Family Services, Scholar Shot, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, and more.

“The Orchid Giving Circle is a growing Asian sisterhood that provides grants and fosters philanthropy primarily within and for the North Texas Asian community,” said Mylinh Luong, Chair of the Orchid Giving Circle. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Communities Foundation of Texas to support our fundraising and grantmaking.”

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