The transformative power of collaborative philanthropy

When we give together, we can do more, learn more and feel more deeply connected — to each other and to the causes we care about.

In a world that often emphasizes individual wealth and solo success, there’s something deeply refreshing — and powerful — about the idea of coming together to make a difference. That’s exactly what collaborative philanthropy is all about.

As the executive director of a giving circle, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing what happens when people pool not only their financial resources but their ideas, values and energy. Collaborative philanthropy is more than just a trend — it’s a movement that is reshaping how we think about generosity, impact and community.

At its core, a giving circle is a group of individuals who come together to make collective decisions about where and how to give. It’s an act of partnership, of co-creation and of shared responsibility. The concept is beautifully simple: When we give together, we can do more, learn more and feel more deeply connected — to each other and to the causes we care about.

This model of giving is gaining traction across the country, and for good reason. Collaborative philanthropy democratizes giving by amplifying the voice of each participant, regardless of the size of their contribution. It breaks down the myth that only those with great wealth can make a meaningful impact. It fosters deeper engagement — members often become long-term supporters, volunteers and champions for the organizations they fund. And it ensures more thoughtful, informed grantmaking, grounded in shared values and lived experience. Every voice matters. Decisions are made collectively. And the impact is multiplied. But beyond the practical benefits lies something even more profound: the joy of shared purpose.

It’s incredibly moving to sit in a room — or on a Zoom call — with people who are committed to doing good, together. They may come from different backgrounds, bring different life experiences, and often hold different perspectives. Yet they gather around a shared table with a common intention: to listen, to learn and to give with care and purpose. This is not transactional giving — it is transformational.

Collaborative philanthropy invites us to slow down and be thoughtful. In our giving circle, we don’t simply write a check and move on. We listen to nonprofit leaders. We ask questions. We study the issues. We reflect on our own values and biases. And we challenge ourselves — and each other — to go deeper. In doing so, we become better stewards of the resources entrusted to us, and we forge a more meaningful relationship with the communities we seek to support.

I’ve seen members walk into our circle unsure of what they have to offer — thinking their donation might be too small to make a difference. Then I’ve seen those same members help craft a grantmaking strategy or advocate fiercely for an underfunded issue. The giving circle experience empowers people to step into their role as philanthropists — something many never imagined themselves to be.

And the ripple effects are real. Members of giving circles often report becoming more engaged in civic life, more informed about social issues and more connected to their communities. Many go on to increase their personal giving, volunteer their time or even start new philanthropic initiatives of their own. Collaborative philanthropy doesn’t just change where the money goes — it changes us.

Of course, it’s not always easy. True collaboration requires trust, humility and patience. We don’t always agree. Sometimes the process is messy. But that’s part of the beauty. In working through those challenges together, we grow — not just as donors, but as human beings.

At a time when so many of our systems feel fractured and polarized, collaborative philanthropy offers a powerful antidote. It models what it looks like to come together across differences, to make decisions rooted in shared values. In our giving circle, I’ve seen friendships deepen, perspectives widen and a powerful sense of purpose take hold.

In challenging times, collaborative philanthropy offers not just a way to give — but a way to belong. It asks each of us: What kind of world do we want to build? And then it answers: Let’s build it together. PJC

Judy Greenwald Cohen is the executive director of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh.