Jessica Bearman MSOD
Consultant , New Ventures in Philanthropy, Forum of Regional As
    Jessica Bearman is fascinated by giving circles and the impact of experiential learning on donor engagement in philanthropy. Currently a philanthropy and organization development consultant living with her family in Moscow, Idaho, Ms. Bearman served previously as deputy director of New Ventures in Philanthropy, a national initiative to grow philanthropic giving. Her work included significant research about how giving can be promoted among women, rural communities, and racial, ethnic, and tribal donors. She is the co-author of Giving Together: A National Scan of Giving Circles and Shared Giving (2005) and of a chapter in a recently published book called The Transformative Power of Women’s Philanthropy. Ms. Bearman has a BA from Brown University and a Masters degree in Organization Development from American University.

Angela Eikenberry PhD
Assistant Professor , Virginia Tech, School of Public and International
    Angela M. Eikenberry is an assistant professor at the School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Public Administration and Policy, at Virginia Tech. She completed her Ph.D. in Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Previously, Dr. Eikenberry was the Director of UNO’s American Humanics program and before returning to school, she was a development and grant writing consultant. Her main research interests include civil society, nonprofit organizations and philanthropy and their role in democratic governance. Dr. Eikenberry has published articles in Public Administration Review, the International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, and Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly.

    Giving circles are emerging in popularity among donors, especially younger and female donors. These community-based funding vehicles entail individuals pooling their resources and then deciding together where these should be distributed. To varying degrees, giving circles also include social, educational, and engagement opportunities. This presentation will report on several studies that have attempted to better understand the giving circle landscape and the impacts of giving circles on donor-members and funding recipients.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

1. Have a better understanding of giving circles and the philanthropic environment from which they have emerged.
2. Understand how participating in giving circles affects giving circle donor-members.
3. Understand the impacts of giving circles on fundee organizations.
4. Learn how to best respond to and work with giving circles and their members.