Nationwide, giving circles have proliferated in recent years.

As one example, Impact San Antonio, a women's "giving circle" each year makes a substantial monetary donation to an area nonprofit organization while simultaneously educating its members on the needs of the community.

Here's how it works: To join, each woman writes a check for $1,000. But membership is about more than just giving money: The women help pick the final recipient through an involved selection process that includes grant proposal scrutiny, site visits, presentations and a final vote. It's a hands-on method that lets members pool their money into a major gift as they become intimately involved in where it ends up.

"It's a way of increasing the power of your gift, and it's about educating women to make informed choices.

There are seven Impact groups across the nation, in Cincinnati, Austin, Florida and other cities. The women in the local group say the hands-on approach makes membership particularly attractive.

About Impact San Antonio

Impact San Antonio Website

Giving Circles Knowledge Center