Giving Circles

A Giving Circle is a collaborative form of philanthropy where individuals pool their financial contributions and collectively decide which existing programs they would like to fund. Think of it as a small, localized foundation built and run by its members.

Aspects of a Giving Circle

  • Pooled Resources

    Members contribute a set amount of money on a regular basis (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually). This collective giving creates a larger pool of funds than any individual might donate on their own, allowing for more significant contributions. Each YWCA Tulsa Circle will donate 75% of its total to general operating funds, and 25% will be dedicated to an existing program of their choice.

  • Education & Engagement

    Giving Circles often serve as a way for individuals to become more engaged in philanthropy and learn about the needs and work of the nonprofit to which they are contributing. The collaborative nature fosters discussion, shared learning, and a deeper understanding of our community’s issues.

  • Shared Decision Making

    A defining characteristic of a Giving Circle is the democratic process involved in selecting programs to fund. 

  • Networking

    Each Circle will set their own cadence for meeting, including frequency, date/time and location. Circles are supported by the Individual Giving Manager to host these meetings. You will be connected with other like-minded individuals who share vision for our programs and desire for the programs’ continued growth. Some Circles may develop deeper connections, identify additional volunteer opportunities, and increase awareness for YWCA Tulsa. 

Giving Circles

  • A photo depicting immigrant and refugee support rally

    Founding Circle

    The largest of the Circles, the 25 Founders will be vocal advocates for all the YWCA programs and want to contribute to our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

  • An image of young children in swimming gear and goggles

    Health Equity Circle

    YWCA Tulsa fitness members committed to health equity for all Tulsans. Join in support of membership access and health education programs.

  • An icon

    Pinnacle Circle

    This Circle is limited to former Pinnacle Award honorees empowering the next generation of up-and-coming women in leadership.

  • An image of Mayor Nichols speaking at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards event

    Justice Circle

    For those interested in supporting legal services for our neighbors who are immigrants and refugees. 

  • An image of YWCA Executive Director Julie Davis speaking at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards event

    Amplify Circle

    Women supporting women’s empowerment and education programs.

  • An image of three women on stage at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards event

    Seedling Circle

    This circle has a reduced cost of entry, allowing funders to invest in our community with their peers, building our next generation of philanthropists. Limited to those 30 years old and younger.

Interested in Joining a Giving Circle?

Amplify Your Impact.

In essence, a Giving Circle empowers individuals to become more strategic and impactful philanthropists by leveraging collective resources and shared decision-making to support the work of YWCA Tulsa. It's a way to democratize giving, foster community engagement, and amplify the impact of individual donations.

 

Each Circle member contributes $1,000 annually (with the exception of the Seedling Circle which is limited to contributors 30 and under and has annual contribution of $300.) Seventy-five percent of each donation will go to general operating expenses and 25% will be dedicated to an existing program of YWCA Tulsa. Pledges can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly and all payment arrangements are confidential.

 FAQs

  • This varies by Circle. The Founding Circle is the largest at 25 donors, and the Pinnacle Circle will be a Circle of just 10 former Pinnacle Award honorees.

  • Once each Circle gets funded, members will meet and set a cadence for their involvement expectations for the next year. While some Circles may only have time/desire to meet quarterly, some Circles may find that they want to meet on a more frequent basis, learn more about YWCA Tulsa’s mission and programs and get involved in other capacities.

    We welcome all levels of involvement, and our Individual Giving Manager will meet with each Circle to support with meeting space reservations, refreshments and communications. No Circle will be solely responsible for managing scheduled meetings, but are welcome to meet outside of formal meeting dates at their leisure.

  • We are not identifying anyone as a Circle “Lead” or “Manager.” However, if a Circle would like to assign a particular member as point of contact on behalf of the group to YWCA Tulsa, they are welcome to do so. Please relay this information to the Individual Giving Manager once it is decided upon.

  • The Seedlings Circle is our way of recognizing that many 30 & under want to begin personal giving but need an option with a lower barrier to entry as they develop their giving profile. We want to encourage our next generation of donors to learn more about how their giving can impact their neighbors and city at large as they join the Seedlings Circle and meet with peers who share their philanthropic interests.

  • Giving to general operating expenses is important because it provides flexible funding that allows nonprofits to address a wider range of needs, including salaries, technology, and overall operational stability. This type of funding supports an organization's ability to carry out its mission effectively, build capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.