Resources

Learning and tools for collective giving and nonprofit sustainability

How to Use This Page

This page is for members, partners, and community members who want to deepen their understanding of collective giving, Black philanthropy, and what it takes to sustain Black-led organizations. We share resources that support learning, reflection, and practical action.

A Note on What We Share

We prioritize resources created by Black leaders, practitioners, and organizations. Inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement, but reflects alignment with our values and approach.

Resources are updated on a rolling basis.

Local Giving & Philanthropy

These resources highlight the legacy of Black giving and community investment, with a focus on Houston and the region.

Collective Giving

These resources explore collective giving, trust-based philanthropy, and approaches that center Black communities and Black-led organizations.

Collective Giving Circles & Funds

This list includes giving circles that have informed, inspired, or shaped our understanding of collective giving.

Nonprofit Sustainability & Leadership

These resources focus on nonprofit leadership, organizational health, and long-term sustainability.

Community & Ecosytem

These resources highlight networks and organizations that strengthen philanthropy and nonprofit ecosystems locally and nationally.

Founded by Gayla Gardner, this initiative reflects community-centered giving and mutual support in Houston.
http://www.twelvedayshouston.org/
A philanthropic group supporting community-based initiatives through collective giving.
https://greaterhoustonfrontiers.com/
An organization connected to The Links, focused on education, service, and community investment.

https://thechoicefoundationinc.org/

A reflection on how collective giving draws from long-standing African and diasporic traditions.

https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2021/06/14/collaborative-philanthropy-is-rooted-in-african-communal-practice-lets-reclaim-it/
An overview of why giving circles are a powerful alternative to starting new organizations.

https://johnsoncenter.org/blog/dont-start-a-nonprofit-start-a-giving-circle/
A comprehensive research report on the impact, structure, and growth of giving circles.

https://johnsoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Giving-Circles-Research-Full-Report-WEB.pdf
A national network supporting giving circles rooted in equity and shared learning.
https://www.thecommunityinvestment.org/
A curated collection of articles and resources on giving circles and collaborative philanthropy.

https://johnsoncenter.org/collection/giving-circles/
An overview of how giving circles work and why they are growing in popularity.

https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/articles/the-power-of-giving-circles.html

A Houston-based giving circle founded in 2016 to model collective giving and transformative philanthropy in the Black community.

https://www.newgivingcollective.org/
A giving circle based in Central Texas that mobilizes Black philanthropy to support Black-led organizations and community-led solutions.

https://theblackfundcentraltx.org/
A Dallas-based fund supporting community-centered giving.

https://www.heritagegivingfund.org/
Item description
- American Muslim Community Foundation Women’s Giving Circle
  A national giving circle rooted in Muslim women’s leadership and collective philanthropy.
  https://amuslimcf.org/donors/giving-circles/womensgc-aboutus/
- Impact Houston
  A Houston-based giving circle engaging members in collective giving and community investment.
  https://impacthouston.org/
- The Village Giving Circle
  A Dallas-based giving circle hosted by the Communities Foundation of Texas.
  https://www.cftexas.org/donors/fund-options/the-village-giving-circle/
- I Be Black Girl Giving
  A giving circle rooted in Black girlhood, wellness, and community care.
  https://www.ibbg.org/ibbgives/
- Women’s Giving Circle of Connecticut
  A statewide giving circle supporting women and girls through collective philanthropy.
  https://conncf.org/wgc/
- Orchid Giving Circle
  A North Texas–based giving circle supporting women and girls.
  https://www.orchidgivingcircle.org/
- Impact Austin
  A member-led giving circle supporting nonprofits in the Austin area.
  https://www.impactaustin.org/membership
- Liberated Capital Fund
  A giving circle hosted on Grapevine and connected to decolonizing wealth practices.
  https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/3y6hD5/Liberated-Capital-A-Decolonizing-Wealth-Project-Fund
- 100 Women Who Care Cy-Fair
  A Houston-area giving circle supporting local nonprofits through collective giving.
  https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/9ByC28/100-WOMEN-Who-Care-Cy-Fair

Resources centering leadership development, racial equity, and sustainable organizational culture.
https://buildingmovement.org/
Resources on leadership transitions, executive sustainability, board governance, and organizational effectiveness.

https://www.compasspoint.org/
Learning-focused tools that help organizations reflect, adapt, and build capacity over time.

https://emergentlearning.org/
Research and tools focused on nonprofit financial health, funding operations, and long-term sustainability.
https://nff.org/

A collaborative network advancing philanthropic investment in Black-led organizations in Houston.
https://www.blackimpacthouston.org/
A network advancing Black philanthropy in Houston through education, connection, and collective investment in Black-led organizations.
https://blackphilanthropyhouston.org/
A national initiative advancing trust-based philanthropy by shifting power, practices, and relationships between funders and nonprofits.
https://www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org/

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