Q. What is Women Give 2022: Racial Justice, Gender and Generosity and what does it tell us about gender and giving to racial justice? What other research has WPI done that speaks to intersectionality?

Women Give is WPI’s signature report series that explores gender-based giving patterns and the factors that shape those patterns — including age, religion, income, marital status, and more — to increase understanding about how gender influences philanthropy. 

Women Give 2022 investigates how gender and other demographic factors affected giving to racial justice causes in 2020, providing a glimpse of how U.S. households thought about the racial justice protests following George Floyd’s murder. The report finds that a significant portion of the population (42.0%) and nearly half of single women (48.2%) supported the 2020 racial justice protests, but a smaller portion of the population (14.2%) actually donated money in support of racial justice. The study sheds light on the important role women have played in driving racial justice efforts and philanthropy, throughout history and in recent years. It also contributes to the larger conversation about how funders of all kinds, including corporations and foundations, can better support the movement for racial justice.

Women Give 2019: Gender and Giving Across Communities of Color examined for the first time the intersection of race, gender, and giving. The research finds that while everyone’s giving journey is unique, generosity is a universal value — and women across race and ethnicity are leading through philanthropy. Women Give 2019 demonstrates the unique perspectives women of color bring to philanthropy and underscores the importance of understanding and engaging donors from diverse backgrounds. The study includes interviews that illustrate the real-life experiences of women philanthropists in communities of color. Across the board, women described how their giving has been shaped by their racial and gender identities — providing insight on the importance of intersectionality in philanthropy. 

Q. In general, why is an intersectional approach to philanthropy so important?

An intersectional approach to philanthropy addresses the interconnected and overlapping forms of oppression that individuals and communities face. By considering the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, class, and other identities, philanthropy can better understand and respond to the complex needs of marginalized communities. For example, WPI’s Women & Girls Index shows that less than 2% of charitable giving goes to organizations focused on women and girls. Less than 0.5% of global foundation giving went to Black feminist social movements in 2018, according to the Ms. Foundation’s Pocket Change report. Together, these statistics highlight the lack of investment in marginalized communities. An intersectional lens can help create more equitable solutions that address the root causes of oppression and advance social justice.

Q. What does an intersectional approach to philanthropy look like in practice?

WPI’s research shows that people of color, especially women, are philanthropic — and they bring diverse viewpoints and experiences to their giving. This diversity means they may give in different ways or to different causes. While many might envision a philanthropist as a white male billionaire, society’s image of a philanthropist must evolve to include women and other historically marginalized individuals. These diverse donors tend to think about philanthropy in expansive ways, including the 5Ts: Time, talent, treasure, ties (networks), and testimony (advocacy). 

With this expansive view in mind, examples of giving with an intersectional lens could include:

  • Giving time or money to support organizations led by persons of color
  • Donating to address specific issues like gender-based violence or criminal justice reform
  • Joining a giving circle that aligns with your values and supports marginalized communities
  • Supporting local mutual aid efforts or volunteering with grassroots organizations

In adopting a broad definition of philanthropy and recognizing the diverse ways women across communities of color express generosity, fundraisers and nonprofit leaders can better connect with their community and donor base to maximize impact.

Q. Throughout history and today, Black women have led racial justice movements. According to WPI’s research, people are more likely to express support for racial justice causes than to donate to these causes. Beyond dollars, what can individuals across race and gender do to ensure movement leaders have the resources they need?

While Black women have been at the forefront of racial justice movements, allyship across all genders and races is critical in advancing racial justice causes. Allies can embrace an expanded definition of philanthropy by tapping into all of their resources to advance racial equity. Beyond financial contributions, donors can support these leaders through volunteering their time or expertise, mentorship, donating in-kind resources, and advocacy. For example, business leaders can leverage their networks and skills to raise awareness and support fundraising and marketing efforts for Black women-led organizations. Additionally, advocacy plays a crucial role in addressing root causes of racial injustice. Allies can use their voice to advocate for policies that support Black women leaders and promote racial justice.

It is important to recognize external data that highlights the disparities in funding for organizations led by women of color and those addressing the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality. Donors can use this information to examine their giving strategies and consider ways to direct their resources toward organizations and movements that are working at the intersection of these issues.

Q. How can donors use data from Women Give 2022 to inform their philanthropic approach?

Donors can leverage Women Give 2022 – and WPI’s entire research library – to enhance their philanthropic approach and make a bigger impact. Women Give 2022 sheds light on the “awareness–action gap” or the difference between those who support racial justice and the smaller portion of people who actually donate money to racial justice causes. Raising awareness of this gap and highlighting the many ways to support racial justice – financially and otherwise – can inform donors and nonprofit leaders alike. By providing current and would-be donors with increased confidence and creativity about giving toward racial equity and justice, findings from Women Give 2022 can be used to ensure that resources are being directed toward the organizations and movements that need it the most.

Further, by examining how donors engage with racial justice causes, Women Give 2022 can also drive systemic change within the philanthropic sector. Donors can raise awareness and advocate for increased support for important causes, ensuring resources reach the organizations and movements that need it the most.