ABOUT US

Who We Are

(Formerly known as TTN Philadelphia Giving Circle and Giving Circle of Women's Connection Philadelphia.)

Giving Circle Philadelphia is an all volunteer women-led organization with a mission to help improve the lives of women and children in Philadelphia through collective philanthropy. Passionate about making a difference, members not only pool their contributions, but also learn about the difficult issues facing women and children through our educational programs, visits to nonprofit organizations, and at GCP events. Our members are committed to the power of collective giving and raising awareness about community issues.

Each year, through our annual grants review process we come together to learn about and identify deserving nonprofits that could benefit from our grant support. In May, all members who have contributed $200 or more in the prior year qualify as voting members to select the nonprofit organization(s) that will be awarded our annual grant(s). Giving Circle Philadelphia members believe that this method of collective philanthropy increases the impact of each individual contribution.

Established in 2012, our giving circle has awarded over than $700,000 in grants and donations to Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. Such is the POWER OF COLLECTIVE GIVING.

OUR HISTORY

In 2012, the Philadelphia Chapter of The Transition Network was thriving, yet a noticeable gap remained: the passion of its members was eager for an outlet, but the organization lacked direct volunteer opportunities. The women began meeting, brainstorming, and searching for a local nonprofit that could offer a truly meaningful, hands-on experience.

A spark of inspiration ignited when one member mentioned her donor-advised fund at The Philadelphia Foundation. The community foundation was eager to launch a giving circle, and the timing couldn't have been better. Moving quickly, the women established the TTN Giving Circle as a Donor Advised Fund, uniting behind a clear and powerful focus: uplifting women and children across Philadelphia. By the following year, they posted their very first Request for Proposals.

That first venture came to fruition in 2013 when the group awarded a transformative initial grant of nearly $10,000 to Valley Youth House. The organization’s mission—equipping youth in foster care with the vital skills needed to transition into adulthood—deeply resonated with the circle.

Over the next decade, that initial seed grew into a flourishing movement. While the core evaluation and site-visit process remained remarkably steady, the circle continually adapted its approach. They refined their model: transitioning from program-specific support to offering flexible general operating support. They simplified application hurdles and ultimately took a major step forward by inviting representatives from past grantee organizations to join the Giving Circle and take a seat at the decision-making table on the Grants Committee.

As the circle evolved, its ranks expanded exponentially. In 2014, a small, dedicated group of 28 members—17 of whom met in person—voted on the annual award. By 2025, membership had surged to over 230 caring and compassionate women.

Yet through a decade of growth and change, the fundamental heartbeat of the circle never wavered. The entry fee remained an accessible $200, and true to their egalitarian spirit, every single member retained exactly one vote, regardless of how much additional financial support they provided. By 2025, that collective commitment reached extraordinary heights, raising over $120,000 to be distributed among five selected nonprofits dedicated to changing the lives of women and children in need in Philadelphia.