Q. From the U.S. to Iran, we’ve seen growing calls for women’s equality across the globe. Can you talk about the significance of women rallying together for change and how they can lead through generosity?

Around the world, women are harnessing their power across many spheres of influence to increase awareness of women’s issues. From gender-based violence, to unequal pay, to a lack of representation in political and other leadership roles, women are speaking up about gender inequities, impacting the societal conversation and galvanizing support for women’s issues. 

We know from our research that women’s philanthropy is driven by empathy, collaboration, and a desire to make an impact. Women are also drawn to an expanded definition of philanthropy,  leveraging all their resources – not just money but also their time, expertise, advocacy, and networks – to support the causes they care about. In this way, women can lead through generosity to fund initiatives, raise awareness, and support community-led efforts that are making a difference in the lives of women and girls. Additionally, women can use their networks and influence to advocate for and amplify the voices of other women. By pulling on a multitude of levers to give, women – and their allies – can help advance gender equality.

If you’re looking for an organization to support, check out our Women & Girls Index, the only comprehensive index of women’s and girls’ organizations in the U.S. There, you can search by criteria like keyword, focus area, and geographic location to find an organization that aligns with your values. 

Q. WPI’s research examines how women give. Based on these data, how do women give differently than men and what are the results of their actions?

WPI research shows that women are more likely than men to give to charity, and they donate higher amounts; this is true overall, and for every charitable cause area. Not only are there gender differences in giving activity, but women and men also tend to be motivated to give differently, give in different ways, and prioritize different outcomes in their philanthropy. For example, women are likely to give in a variety of ways, including online giving platforms and social networks or as part of a larger community, as we see in the rise of giving circles. 

We also know that philanthropy is deeply personal – men and women have different experiences and perspectives that can influence how they approach giving and the causes they choose to support. It’s no surprise, then, that our research shows that women are more likely to give, and give higher amounts, to support women’s and girls’ causes. Additionally, donors who support women’s and girls’ causes are often motivated by their own personal experiences, and the belief that funding women’s and girls’ initiatives leads to societal progress.

Q. WPI's 2023 Symposium: All In, All Rise that took place last week, explored what's possible when the full power of women's philanthropy is unleashed. What IS possible and what are the barriers preventing women donors from going “all in?”

From how women donors are treated to what causes are funded, gender inequity affects almost every aspect of philanthropy. Women, particularly women from marginalized communities, face systemic barriers such as discrimination, the gender pay gap, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities, which can limit their ability to give at the level they would like. Additionally, the philanthropic sector isn’t tailored to women the way it is to men. For example, fundraisers may not be effectively reaching potential women donors and financial advisors may not be adequately equipped to advise women on their charitable giving. In understanding how, why and to what causes women give, we can all work towards a philanthropic environment that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes women’s generosity.

When women donors are "all in," so is their potential to make a significant impact and create lasting change in their communities. When women donors are able to fully engage in philanthropy, they can direct more resources toward issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. As more women are empowered to participate in philanthropy, and recognize the diverse ways they already lean into generosity as philanthropy, there will also be an increase in diverse perspectives and experiences represented in the field. This can lead to more inclusive and effective philanthropic practices, particularly when it comes to addressing issues related to gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

Q. How have women donors used their influence to advance racial and gender equity? What can we expect in the future?

Women have a long history of working for civil rights, racial equity, and gender equity in the United States. In our report Women Give 2022: Racial Justice, Gender and Generosity, we explored how gender and other demographic factors affected giving to racial justice causes in 2020. We found that single women were more likely to give to racial justice causes and organizations than single men or couples. In particular, single women were much more likely than single men or couples to give to grassroots racial justice organizations. They were also more likely than single men to take action by donating to political candidates who support their views on racial equity issues. As women continue to garner economic power and influence, we can expect to see positive momentum towards racial and gender equity.

Q. U.S. women control about $11 trillion in assets, which is expected to grow to $30 trillion by 2030. What advice would you give women donors who are new to the philanthropic space and want to make an impact?

We have three pieces of advice for newer donors -- or donors at any stage in their giving journey!

  • Make a plan. A strategic giving plan can inform choices that are right for your priorities, time, and budget. In Ellevest, we outlined six steps to create a giving strategy that is aligned with your values and financial priorities. To start, decide on your values and concerns: Meaningful philanthropy starts with values and then moves to specific actions and organizations. Here is a list of sample values and concerns we’ve developed that you can use as a starting point. We also recommend using online tools and databases like Charity Navigator, Give.org, or CharityWatch to vet charitable organizations and help you feel more confident about where your donations are going. 
  • Collaborate with others. Our research shows that women tend to prefer to give together. That can mean anything from joining a giving circle in your area, to talking about your giving with friends and family, to giving to a women’s fund or community foundation that can vet organizations on your behalf. Collaborative giving benefits both recipients of charity as well as donors, helping you to meet like-minded people in your community.
  • Just start! If you wait to make the perfect gift, to the perfect nonprofit, in the perfect way, expecting the perfect results, you’ll never start your philanthropy journey. Start with one small gift to one organization you think is doing good work and addressing an issue you care about. Then, evaluate how you feel. You could make that a monthly recurring gift, or give to more organizations, or level up your giving in a certain area. But just start, and you’ll learn as you move forward.