Photos courtesy: Armando Geneyro
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, it’s been inspiring to reflect on how the concept of “collective giving” has expanded what philanthropy looks like and who gets to participate.
Collective giving, or giving circles, are groups of people who come together to pool resources to give to causes that are important to them. These groups offer meaningful ways to give, while connecting with and learning from peers along the way.
This opportunity to collaborate with other philanthropists is one of the highlights of our giving circles. On June 17, members from across our giving circles came together to do just that. Members from some of our long-standing circles, like the Environmental Affinity Group, and our newer circles, like the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle, joined us.
At the event, we saw how these giving circles are helping democratize philanthropy. Members shared ways they welcome people into their circles, regardless of how much someone might be able to give. They also shared the impact of pooling their resources and how they decide collectively which nonprofits to support.
Giving circles also create opportunities to collaborate on unique projects that make a meaningful impact. For example, The Colorado Asian American Pacific Islander Circle wanted to highlight the diverse experiences of Colorado’s Asian American and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (AANHPI), shifting the idea that they are one monolithic group. In 2024, they partnered with the Colorado Health Institute to create the Colorado Lotus Project, a resource with rich data and stories to learn about Colorado’s many AANHPI communities. Since launching in 2021, the circle has granted $379,560 to 20 unique organizations.*
Giving Circle History
A group of African-American men looking to elevate philanthropy in communities of color in the Denver Metro area came to us in 2012 to create Denver African American Philanthropists (DAAP), our first giving circle. DAAP was also the first African American men’s giving circle established in the nation’s west.
Since its founding, 88 donors have contributed to the DAAP fund, and the circle has granted $111,765.50 to 32 unique organizations.* For the past 13 years, DAAP members have come together to support their community, pooling their resources to make a difference. Now, they’re taking the next step to carry their commitment forward.
This year, they’ve opened an endowed fund, creating a legacy of generosity that will support their community for generations.
In recognition of our 100th anniversary, DAAP, LatinasGive! and Latinos Impacting our Future Together have all launched endowed funds in 2025. The Environmental Affinity Group was the first giving circle to open an endowed fund in 2018.
Today, we have 11 giving circles, each rooted in different communities or shared interests. These include six Elevating Philanthropy in Communities of Color (EPIC) giving circles that support communities of color in their philanthropic efforts, and five affinity groups focused on specific causes or communities.
Together, these groups have granted more than $2.4 million to 355 unique organizations between 2012 and May 2025. This is a powerful reflection of the small ways we can make a big impact, and a reminder that you don’t need to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist.
*Numbers reported are through May 2025
EPIC Giving Circles
Denver African-American Philanthropists (DAAP) — Founded in 2012
An African-American men’s giving circle, strengthening local nonprofit organizations through targeted investments with their time, talent, and treasure.
LatinasGive! — Founded in 2015
Denver’s first Latina giving circle, united by their cultural roots and a commitment to community action.
Latinos Impacting our Future Together (L.I.F.T.) — Founded in 2018
A group of men serving the Latino community through their time and investments to support the work done by nonprofit organizations uplifting the Latino community.
Women of Color Making a Difference — Founded in 2020
A diverse group of African American women who recognized the need for targeted and impactful giving and advocacy within their local communities.
The Colorado Asian American Pacific Islander Circle — Founded in 2021
The circle’s vision is an authentic, visible, and interconnected Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities.
NEW! Native Futures Collective — Founded in 2025
Native Futures strives to protect sacred traditions, uplift Native voices, and ensure long-term visibility through stewardship of resources, collaboration, and community-led initiatives.
Other Giving Circles
Environmental Affinity Group — Founded in 2014
The group’s mission is to create a network of engaged and effective environmental philanthropists to collectively identify, promote, and support environmental action on Colorado’s wide range of issues.
March On! — Founded in 2017
A group of women working to support programs in the Metro Denver area that serve the disenfranchised and vulnerable so they can prosper and live safe, healthy, and engaged lives.
Denver Reparations Fund — Founded in 2020
A group focused on restoring and sustaining institutions, religions, languages and traditions within and beyond the Denver Metro area Black community.
The Giving Forward Project — Founded in 2021
A group focused on supporting education, environment, sustainability, women’s empowerment, and racial justice.
NEW! LGBTQ+ Giving Circle — Founded in 2025
A group of community members passionate about understanding and responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ communities, including those that are most marginalized and under-resourced.
Our 100th anniversary is a moment to celebrate these incredible achievements, and it’s also a moment to look ahead. Giving circles show us what the future of philanthropy can be—more accessible, more collaborative, and more deeply rooted in community.
We’re excited to see how these groups will continue to shape a more inclusive and connected approach to philanthropy for generations to come.
Collective Giving
To learn more about our EPIC program or to inquire about joining a giving circle, visit our collective giving web page, call 303.300.1790, or email us at information@denverfoundation.org.
