Seeds for Community Investment Network (CIN) were first sown in 2003 when a series of conversations about philanthropy with young African Americans communities were conducted across the American South and sponsored by The Ford Foundation. The discussion centered on pressing social challenges, civic engagement and giving back.

​

The Community Investment Network (CIN) was established to support and encourage the development of “giving circles” and other collective giving models. A giving circle is a group of individuals who pool their personal time, talent, treasure, and testimony to address social issues impacting their communities using thoughtful giving strategies.

​

CIN is a forum for philanthropists committed to transforming their communities.

​

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a national scope, CIN pursues a bold mission anchored in four main strategies.

​

• Demystifying institutional philanthropy for individuals and community groups.

• Cultivating a new cadre of philanthropic leaders from communities of color who recognize their civic responsibilities and their power to influence mainstream philanthropy.

• Creating space for members to learn the history of philanthropy, generate ideas,
share lessons and successes and pursue opportunities to give back.

• Broadening understanding of the nonprofit sector and community-based efforts, particularly around public policy and social justice.