Since conception, Relational Tithe has sought to eliminate economic isolation. We believe that relationships deeply matter when helping one another in our time of need.
What is Relational Tithe?
Relational Tithe is grounded in the belief that God has designed an economy of abundance, encouraging people to care for one another in a spirit of friendship. This vision transcends traditional notions of benevolence, charity, or philanthropy, calling for genuine, relational connections.
What began as a small experiment among friends in 2005 has since evolved into a global movement. Inspired by the 2002 Jubilee Celebration in New York, Darin Petersen and Shane Claiborne explored how collaborative giving could be integrated into daily life, leading to the founding of Relational Tithe, Inc. This initiative was created for those seeking a more adventurous, relational, and passionate expression of faith. Starting with just a handful of participants in the U.S., the movement has grown to include people from around the world, all united by a desire for meaningful connection and impact.
Since its inception, Relational Tithe’s influence extends far beyond its original small group. It has touched countless lives across various countries, providing substantial financial support to families and individuals in need, while fostering deep relationships among its members.
At the core of Relational Tithe is not merely the act of giving but the deep, meaningful relationships that form as members journey alongside those they support. Unlike many philanthropic or charity organizations that focus solely on the distribution of goods and services, Relational Tithe emphasizes understanding the individuals behind the needs. This relational approach has been transformative, offering care to those in need while deepening participants’ understanding of poverty, pain, and injustice.
In 2011, Relational Tithe introduced Common Change, a cloud-based application designed to facilitate collaborative giving. This platform makes it easier than ever for people to participate in and experience the power of relational giving. What began as a small initiative has grown, and now, through Common Change, anyone can join in this journey of relational care and transformation.
Projects
CommonChange.com
Title: Common Change – USA
Description: Common Change is a collaborative giving platform that brings together people to pool money and resources, enabling them to meet the needs of others in their communities. It empowers members to practice shared generosity and create lasting impact.
CommonChange.uk
Title: Common Change – UK
Description: Common Change UK extends the collaborative giving movement across the United Kingdom, offering a platform for individuals and groups to come together, pool their resources, and respond to financial needs within their community and beyond.
CommonChange.co.za
Title: Common Change – South Africa
Description: Common Change South Africa fosters a culture of generosity by enabling South Africans to collectively pool resources, meeting the financial needs of those around them. It’s about creating a sustainable and impactful way to give back locally.
CommonGood.cc
Title: Common Good Collective
Description: Common Good is a resource hub that explores the ideas of community, collaboration, and generosity. Through podcast, stories, articles, and thought leadership, it inspires individuals to contribute to the common good in meaningful and innovative ways.
The Hive (cincyhive.org)
Title: The Hive – Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action
Description: The Hive is a Cincinnati-based center dedicated to nurturing a contemplative life through creative expression and community engagement. It offers workshops, classes, and events that help individuals connect deeply with themselves, others, and the world around them.
ActsofSharing.org
Title: Acts of Sharing
Description: Acts of Sharing is a social platform that encourages community members to share possessions and resources. It fosters a sharing economy where people can lend and borrow items, reducing waste and strengthening community bonds.
AbundantCommunity.com
Title: Abundant Community
Description: Abundant Community is a movement and resource platform that promotes local, neighbor-led community building. It focuses on empowering citizens to create thriving neighborhoods through shared responsibility and collective action.
Generosity Dinners
Title: Generosity Dinners
Description: Generosity Dinners are community gatherings where people come together to share a meal and discuss the power of generosity. These events foster relationships and inspire participants to practice generosity in their daily lives, both individually and collectively.
Contact Us
484 Lake Park Ave #665 Oakland CA 94610
+1 (510) 323-2349 | Support@CommonChange.com