The Rise of Giving Circles & Collaborative Philanthropy: How Small Donors Pool for Big Impact

Philanthropy in Canada is evolving. Gone are the days when only large donors or corporations were seen as the primary forces behind community change. Across the country — and especially within the Montreal Jewish community — a new model of generosity is taking shape: giving circles and collaborative philanthropy.

These modern approaches to charitable giving allow individuals, families, and small groups to come together, pool resources, and make a collective impact that’s often greater than what any one person could achieve alone.

At the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal (JCF Montreal), we’ve witnessed this shift firsthand. Community members are no longer asking, “How much can I give?” but rather, “How can my giving make the biggest difference?”

What Are Giving Circles?

A giving circle is a group of people who combine their donations and decide together where the funds will go. It’s a democratic and highly participatory way of giving. Members discuss priorities, research potential charitable organizations in Canada, and vote on which projects or causes to support.

This collaborative model has grown rapidly because it connects people through shared values and encourages transparency, learning, and engagement. In the Montreal Jewish community, giving circles have become an inspiring example of tzedakah — the Jewish principle of charitable giving rooted in justice and responsibility.

Rather than relying solely on large foundations or institutional donors, these groups empower everyday individuals to contribute meaningfully. They demonstrate that smart philanthropy doesn’t always mean giving more — it means giving together.

Why Giving Circles Are Gaining Popularity in Montreal

Montreal has long been a hub for non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives that strengthen community life. Yet, many smaller donors have felt unsure how to make their limited funds count. Giving circles are changing that dynamic.

Here’s why they’re growing rapidly across Canada — and particularly among Jewish family services and local charities in Montreal:

Shared Purpose Builds Connection Giving circles create space for meaningful discussion about community needs — whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or Jewish community programs. Donors gain a deeper understanding of the issues they care about and see how their joint efforts create real change.
Collective Giving Multiplies Impact By pooling donations, small contributions combine into substantial grants. For instance, ten people donating $1,000 each can collectively offer $10,000 — enough to fund a community grant or support an entire project for a non-profit organization in Montreal.
Education and Empowerment Participants learn about philanthropy in Canada, governance, and the importance of transparency in charitable organizations. This learning fosters a culture of smart philanthropy and encourages future leaders in community giving.
Strengthening Jewish Values of Responsibility For the Jewish community in Montreal, giving circles reflect long-standing traditions of compassion and communal support. They bring together people who want to live out their values of justice (tzedek) and kindness (chesed) through thoughtful giving.

Collaborative Philanthropy: A Smarter Way to Give

Collaborative philanthropy expands the concept of giving circles. It involves donors, organizations, and foundations working together to address complex social challenges. Rather than operating in silos, these groups share knowledge, data, and strategy to ensure every dollar drives measurable outcomes. At JCF Montreal, this approach aligns perfectly with our mission to help donors maximize their impact. Through our community grants and operating grants for nonprofit organizations, we see how partnerships and shared funding strategies produce sustainable results.

When donors collaborate, they can:

Identify the most effective programs.
Support multiple organizations addressing the same issue.
Ensure funds are distributed where they’re needed most.

This type of cooperation not only strengthens the Jewish community of Montreal but also sets an example for broader philanthropy in Canada.

Real-World Example: Small Donors, Big Impact

Imagine a small group of families who want to improve youth mental health within the Jewish community. Individually, each could make a modest charity donation. But together — through a giving circle — they could fund a partnership between local Jewish family services and educational nonprofits to deliver mental health support workshops.

The collective result is transformative: youth receive accessible resources, organizations gain long-term support, and donors feel deeply connected to the outcome.

This is the power of collaborative philanthropy — amplifying compassion through connection.

How JCF Montreal Supports Giving Circles

The Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal provides structure, expertise, and financial stewardship for donors who wish to collaborate. Whether through donor-advised funds, community endowments, or grants for non-profit organizations, JCF helps ensure that charitable initiatives are both effective and sustainable.

Giving circles and collaborative philanthropy reflect the very heart of our mission: empowering donors to act with purpose, transparency, and shared responsibility.

If you or your organization are exploring new ways to give, JCF Montreal offers guidance on how to:

Create or join a giving circle in the Jewish community.
Align donations with Jewish values and community priorities.
Access available operating grants and community grants.
Practice smart philanthropy with measurable impact.

Our team believes that generosity grows stronger when shared — and that every contribution, big or small, carries the potential to transform lives.

The Future of Collaborative Giving in Canada

The future of philanthropy is not about who gives the most, but how effectively people give together. With technology, transparency tools, and shared donor networks, collaborative giving models are expanding faster than ever before.

Within non-profit organizations in Montreal, we’re seeing increased interest in partnerships, collective funding, and impact measurement. Donors now expect data-driven results, clear communication, and long-term sustainability.

As philanthropy in Canada evolves, giving circles will continue to play a key role in connecting people to meaningful causes — especially those that strengthen the Montreal Jewish community.

When people unite around shared values and goals, their combined efforts can achieve remarkable change. That’s the essence of collaborative philanthropy: a community-driven approach where every act of generosity counts.

Final Thoughts

At JCF Montreal, we believe that giving is more than a financial act — it’s an expression of identity, compassion, and shared vision. The rise of giving circles reminds us that impactful philanthropy doesn’t require wealth, but commitment.

By joining forces, small donors become powerful changemakers. Together, they nurture a stronger, more resilient Jewish community and contribute to a better Montreal for everyone.

If you’d like to learn more about how JCF Montreal can help you participate in collaborative giving or start your own fund, visit Our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a giving circle? A giving circle is a group of donors who pool their contributions and decide collectively where to direct the funds. It encourages shared learning, collaboration, and greater community impact.

2. How can giving circles benefit the Jewish community in Montreal? They bring people together around shared Jewish values, helping fund essential causes such as education, social welfare, and cultural preservation within the community.

3. Can small donors really make a difference through giving circles? Absolutely. When small donations are combined, they can fund substantial projects and create lasting change. It’s the power of collective generosity.

4. How does JCF Montreal support collaborative philanthropy? JCF Montreal offers guidance, fund management, and community grant opportunities to help donors create sustainable impact through strategic giving.

5. What is smart philanthropy and how can I practice it? Smart philanthropy means giving with purpose, knowledge, and measurable outcomes. It’s about aligning your donations with your values and using resources effectively for maximum impact.