The Asian Giving Circle, a donor advised fund of the Trust, brings together professionals from the diverse Asian-American communities of Chicago to leverage their individual impact on issues of common concern within their communities.

Four founding members launched the Asian Giving Circle in 2002 as a result of partnerships among the Chicago Chapter of Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, the Donors Forum of Chicago’s Giving Greater Chicago project and New Ventures in Philanthropy.

Asian Giving Circle members commit to donating $250 a year for at least two years. All donations are tax deductible.

Members do more than make contributions; they participate in reviewing grant proposal, visiting organization, interviewing staff at requesting agencies and deciding on annual grants.  This hands-on approach allows them to learn the most effective ways to give and support the issues important to them.

The Asian Giving Circle counts more than 40 members who have raised more than $30,000 and made grants totaling $40,000.