This week, our president and a number of board members are attending the Indiana University symposium on "Moving Women’s Philanthropy Forward: Influences, Intent, Impact."
I look forward to hearing from them next week about what they learned, but in the meantime, news is already emerging about the issues being discussed. Among them, that women are stepping up with their philanthropy at a crucial time when needs are growing around the country, and other resources are shrinking.
Stan Lehr wrote earlier this week that, "Women are emerging as philanthropists in a time when many feel they have less to give."
In her New York Times piece, "As Women’s Incomes Rise, So Do Their Donations," Elizabeth Olson explains that this trend may be because women have an inherent belief that those who have more have a responsibility to help those with less.
And as today’s economy worsens and that gap widens, the needs of those with less have never been more evident.
Other trends emerging in women’s philanthropy, writes Olson, include:
- Women are more collaborative with each other in their giving;
- Women give smaller amounts than men, but a higher percentage of women than men give;
- Women are increasingly stepping out to make million dollar gifts; and,
- Women’s giving tends to be focused on improving the lives of women and children.
So, while the economy may be taking a downturn and the uncertainty of changes with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are creating worry in philanthropic circles, there is an example of hope to be found in the trend of women’s philanthropy to step up and fill increasing needs as they emerge.
Because where there are leaders there is always the potential that others will be inspired to step up and follow their lead.
Lisa Kays is The Women’s Foundation’s Director of Communications.
