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

On December 2, according to official news, Circle announced the establishment of the Circle Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to promoting financial resilience and inclusivity in the U.S. and globally. The Circle Foundation is launched by Circle's “Pledge 1%” equity commitment—this global initiative brings together thousands of companies that pledge to use a portion of their equity and resources for 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 private sector workforce in the U.S. and drive more than 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet many businesses still face challenges in accessing affordable financing, digital tools, and the capital needed for growth. Through grant-making, 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, tech-savvy CDFIs that share best practices and data-driven insights within their networks, thereby expanding the reach and impact of every dollar supported.