Ted Hisokawa
Dec 02, 2025 14:11
Circle Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative by Circle, aims to bolster financial resilience and inclusion globally, starting with US small businesses.
Circle has announced the launch of the Circle Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to enhancing financial resilience and inclusion both in the United States and globally. This initiative is seeded by Circle’s Pledge 1% equity commitment, part of a global movement encouraging companies to dedicate a portion of their equity to philanthropic efforts, according to Circle.com.
From Moments of Impact to Systemic Change
Since its inception in 2013, Circle has been committed to fostering economic prosperity through technology-driven financial solutions. The Circle Foundation aims to build upon this legacy by transforming individual programs into systemic change. By collaborating with global organizations, Circle has facilitated more efficient delivery of humanitarian aid and supported entrepreneurs developing new financial access models. Notable efforts include collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine, which utilized USDC to aid displaced individuals, and a partnership in Venezuela that directed $18 million to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Access and Resilience in the US
Initially, the Circle Foundation will focus on enhancing the financial resilience of small businesses across the United States. Despite employing nearly half of all private-sector workers and contributing over 40% to the GDP, many small businesses struggle with accessing affordable financing and digital tools. The Foundation plans to address these challenges by partnering with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which provide critical financial services overlooked by traditional finance. These partnerships will emphasize technology-forward, results-driven solutions.
Expanding Global Opportunities
Beyond the US, the Circle Foundation’s mission extends globally to modernize humanitarian finance infrastructure, ensuring aid reaches more people efficiently and transparently. This global initiative builds on Circle’s existing partnerships with international organizations, reaffirming their commitment to improving financial access worldwide.
Commitment Beyond Financial Support
The Circle Foundation’s impact extends beyond financial contributions. As part of the Pledge 1% movement, Circle commits not only financial resources but also employee time to advancing social good. Employees are offered up to 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually to engage with nonprofits and community organizations of their choice.
Under the leadership of Elisabeth Carpenter, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer and Founding Chair of Circle Foundation, the initiative represents a significant step towards Circle’s mission of raising global economic prosperity. While Circle’s technology has facilitated faster and broader value transfer, the Circle Foundation aims to deepen these benefits through systemic change both domestically and internationally.
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