Pioneering Philanthropy Circles

We see that many wealthy individuals – of all ages and backgrounds – struggle with the complexities that come with wealth. They want to contribute more to society, but figuring out how can be a lonely journey, often causing friction with family members. When they finally know what they want to do, they quickly realize that creating impact is a challenging task. We believe that by creating a safe and courageous space where participants can share their doubts, emotions, ideas, and experiences with peers, they will find the confidence to give more and make more thoughtful choices about how to do so and ultimately contributing to systemic change by building a wealth system that is inclusive and with distributive ownership and governance, and a focus on empathy, decency, and inclusivity. These circles will focus specifically on philanthropy and giving, as there is already significant attention on impact investing. We believe that giving brings a very different and deeper energy into the room, making a circle particularly beneficial. This circle format will ultimately increase giving and improve how it is done. We teach HNW individuals to reflect on shifting power, trust-based philanthropy, and challenging norms and beliefs. We also incorporate behavioral and psychological tools to help wealth holders redirect their wealth, manage family dynamics, and replace misaligned intermediaries. The Maturity Scan allows individuals to compare themselves within their peer group, a feature designed with behavioral considerations in mind.  

Philanthropy Circles bring together small groups of 6-8 wealthy individuals to reflect on the complexities of wealth, giving, and their role in society. These circles tackle the isolation many feel when navigating philanthropy, offering a safe space for reflection, deep discussions, and finding peers. We have just started and can only share the results of the first circle, but we believe we need a year to perfect the methodology before expanding it within our existing international network.  For the first gathering, we invited participants to a specific location, telling them we would be going elsewhere upfront. This created a sense of trust and bravery, as participants didn’t know the final destination. The actual location was a hidden gem, highly curated with great food and music. We initiated conversations on money, generosity, bravery, and doubt. While everyone knew they were wealthy, it was not allowed to share names, family backgrounds, or any personal references. After slow conversations, we asked if they wanted to be part of the circle. Only those who said yes will join future gatherings, and everyone said yes. First, trust is built, and then the choice is made: Do I want to co-reflect, share dilemmas, and feel empowered?  We plan to test this format a few more times in different ways to refine our approach to unlocking generosity. Most people can give more than they do, and this process may help them realize that.  - What it is: Philanthropy Circles create intimate, trust-based environments where participants explore their emotions, doubts, and intentions around philanthropy. Each circle is curated to ensure diversity in age, gender, professional background, and philanthropic experience. This mix of perspectives enriches conversations and allows participants to learn from others facing similar challenges. Meetings are structured to help participants reflect on their values and align them with their philanthropic actions. After 3-5 gatherings, the group is encouraged to continue on its own, building lasting relationships that foster thoughtful giving.  - What it is not: This is not a giving circle. Participants are not expected to pool resources or choose a common cause. The focus is on personal growth and reflection. While giving is central to the conversations, it is seen as part of a broader effort to use wealth for positive impact. This is not a transactional process but one of fostering long-term, meaningful change.  - UK Context and Potential: This hack holds great potential in the UK, where many wealthy individuals feel isolated in their philanthropic journeys. By providing a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss wealth, these circles could flourish in cities like London, Edinburgh, or Oxford. The UK's tradition of charitable giving, combined with the need for more personal reflection and like-minded connections, makes this model especially relevant.  

The Philanthropy Circles aim to drive more effective social change by creating a space where participants can deeply reflect on their wealth and the impact of their giving. Through these intimate gatherings, individuals become more engaged and strategic in their philanthropic efforts, leading to greater alignment between their values and actions. As participants build trust and share experiences, they gain the confidence to make bolder decisions that prioritize social impact over personal gain. This not only strengthens their individual contributions but also fosters a collective shift towards more sustainable and meaningful giving.