Ep. 81 The Power of Giving Together: How Giving Circles Are Transforming Philanthropy with Emily Rasmussen

What if the future of philanthropy isn't about giving more, but giving together? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Emily Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of Grapevine, for an inspiring conversation about the growing movement of giving circles and how collaborative philanthropy is reshaping charitable giving. Emily shares how giving circles empower everyday people to pool their resources, learn alongside one another, and collectively support causes they care about most. Through shared purpose, conversation, and community, philanthropy becomes more accessible, relational, and impactful—regardless of a donor's income level.Throughout the episode, Emily and Rick explore how giving circles are democratizing philanthropy by creating opportunities for more people to participate meaningfully in charitable giving. Rather than limiting philanthropy to major donors or large private foundations, giving circles demonstrate that small contributions, when combined, can create significant impact. Emily emphasizes that "We're all philanthropists," reminding listeners that generosity is defined less by the size of a gift and more by the willingness to come together around a shared mission. The conversation highlights how giving circles foster education, strengthen donor engagement, and encourage thoughtful decision-making while helping communities address local and global needs.The discussion also examines the growing importance of connection in philanthropy. At a time when many people feel increasingly isolated, giving circles create spaces where individuals from different backgrounds can build trust, learn from one another, and work toward common goals. Emily shares research showing that 91% of giving circle participants report a stronger sense of belonging to their community. She explains that people are increasingly seeking meaningful relationships through their generosity, noting that "People want more connection across difference." Rather than simply writing a check, donors are looking for opportunities to engage with others who share a commitment to creating positive change.Technology has helped accelerate this movement far beyond neighborhood gatherings. Through Grapevine's platform, giving circles can organize virtually, support nonprofits across the country, and build sustainable communities of recurring donors. Emily also discusses how nonprofits themselves are beginning to embrace giving-circle models as they recognize that today's donors want more than transactional fundraising—they want community, participation, and shared impact. One particularly compelling insight is that while only about 2% of new nonprofit donations are typically established as recurring gifts, more than half of donations made through Grapevine communities recur automatically. This shift reflects a growing preference for relationship-driven philanthropy that strengthens both donor engagement and nonprofit sustainability.Whether you are a donor, nonprofit leader, philanthropic advisor, fundraiser, or simply someone looking to make a greater difference, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for the future of generosity. Emily's work reminds us that lasting impact doesn't require extraordinary wealth—it begins when ordinary people come together with shared purpose, curiosity, and a desire to improve their communities.Contact Rick Peck:Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.comEmail: [email protected] A call: Rick Peck's CalendarSign Up For Charitable Giving Newsletter: Charitable Giving NewsletterLinkedIn: Richard PeckContact Emily Rasmussen:Website: https://www.grapevine.orgLinkedIn: Emily Rasmussen