Circle announces the establishment of a foundation, with the first phase aimed at enhancing the financial resilience of small businesses in the United States

According to official news, Circle has announced the establishment of a foundation, which is a new charitable initiative aimed at promoting financial resilience and inclusivity in the United States and globally. The Circle Foundation is launched with Circle's "Pledge 1%" equity commitment—this global initiative brings together thousands of companies that pledge to dedicate a portion of their equity and resources to charitable causes. The Circle Foundation will support groups that strengthen the financial systems people rely on daily, including organizations that support small businesses in U.S. communities and international organizations dedicated to modernizing humanitarian aid infrastructure. In its first phase, the Circle Foundation will focus on enhancing the financial resilience of small businesses in the U.S. Small businesses employ nearly half of the U.S. private sector workforce and drive over 40% of the gross domestic product (GDP), yet many still face challenges in accessing affordable financing, digital tools, and the capital needed for growth.

Through grants, the Circle Foundation will collaborate with mission-driven lending institutions known as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which fill critical gaps left by traditional finance. The foundation will prioritize results-oriented, technologically advanced CDFIs that share best practices and data-driven insights within their networks, thereby expanding the reach and impact of every dollar of support.