What is Circles?

Circles USA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works at national and local levels to reduce poverty.

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Circles USA is a national nonprofit that partners with local organizations—including government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based communities like yours—to deepen and expand your impact. For over 25 years, we’ve recognized the gap between crisis intervention and lasting economic self-sufficiency.

Our model, materials, and coaching help you bridge that gap by engaging community volunteers to come alongside individuals until they overcome poverty permanently. We also promote leadership development, as participants become advocates who dismantle the barriers that keep people in poverty. It’s a comprehensive community approach that supports the entire family.

MISSION

Building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge.

VISION

All individuals live in equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists.

VALUES

The Circles USA community of practice has identified five core values: Community, Transformation, Human Dignity & Worth, Accountability, and Thriving.

Change happens one relationship,
one family, and one community at a time.

Explore the data, stories, and outcomes behind the Circles movement.

Impact Reports

Circles reports chapter results at individual and community levels. Participants steadily grow skills and income, decrease dependence on public assistance, and expanded resources and support networks.

A graduate in a green cap and gown holding a diploma and flowers

Lives Transformed

Storytelling matters. The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities.

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Together, We Can Create Communities Where Poverty No Longer Exists.

Bring Circles to Your Community

Circles USA provides all of the training and support your team needs to begin!

START CIRCLES

“Circles is one of the best models for long-term poverty reduction I have ever encountered. It is unique because it offers extensive training for both participants seeking economic stability and volunteers wanting to make a difference. Families who want to become economically stable are in the driver’s seat.”

– Lynette Fields, Community Partner with Orlando, Florida

"Before Circles, I didn't have a lot of faith in humanity. I didn't believe in community... I joined Circles and met people who genuinely cared and wanted me to succeed. That was life-changing for me and my family."

– Carmen Gonzalez, Circle Leader with Northwest Arkansas

Let's Connect

Have a question or want to talk with our team?

CONTACT

Support the Movement

Circles is transforming lives and communities nationwide—with the generous support of friends like you.

DONATE

"At both the community and national levels, Circles USA brings together people of diverse faiths, socioeconomic backgrounds, and political viewpoints to create meaningful change. Through our shared mission, we’re changing how people think about poverty and how to end it. Your donation helps sustain our current chapters and expand Circles into new communities."
-Jennifer Brown, Circles USA Board Member