Circle establishes a foundation, with the initial phase aimed at enhancing the financial resilience of small businesses in the United States.

Techub News reports that Circle has established a foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to advancing financial resilience and inclusion in the United States and globally. The Circle Foundation is launched with Circle's "Pledge 1%" equity commitment—a global movement that brings together thousands of companies pledging a portion of their equity and resources to philanthropy. The Circle Foundation will support groups that strengthen the financial systems people rely on every day, including organizations supporting 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 United States. 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 difficulties accessing affordable financing, digital tools, and the capital readiness needed for growth. Through grantmaking, the Circle Foundation will partner with mission-driven lenders known as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which fill critical gaps left by traditional finance. The foundation will prioritize supporting outcome-oriented, tech-forward CDFIs that share best practices and data-driven insights within their networks, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of every dollar supported.