Women’s Philanthropy Programs

WOMEN GIVE DIFFERENTLY THAN MEN AND THEY GIVE MORE

The women’s philanthropy movement has been gaining momentum for more than twenty-five years. Today women control 32% of the world’s wealth and are adding $5 trillion every year (Boston Consulting Group). By 2030 women are expected to hold $30 trillion in financial assets (McKinsey and Company).

Although women have tremendous wealth capacity, many companies and organizations have not tapped into this valuable resource.

For the past five years I have been researching women’s philanthropy, wealth, and the way in which they give. I have interviewed more than 70 women philanthropists and leaders.

A PROVEN STRATEGY

I have a six-step strategy I use when working with organizations wanting to develop a women’s philanthropy program, enhance their current practice, or integrate women’s philanthropy into their current fundraising department. This model includes the following elements:

Awareness | Assessment | Alignment
Action | Acknowledgement | Achievement


This model helps organizations, staff, and specifically fundraisers:

  • Develop a knowledge and awareness of women’s issues and their philanthropy practices

  • Assess their capacity and resources to build an effective and successful women’s philanthropy initiative

  • Align resources with mission and vision

  • Implement specific program elements gleaned from some of the best women’s philanthropy programs in the county

  • Develop an effective stewardship program

  • Define outcomes and evaluate

“It was so wonderful talking to Lois because I could see the passion of why she felt women can make such a difference in philanthropy.”
— Martha Taylor, former Vice President, University of Wisconsin Foundation and co-author of Women in Philanthropy: Boldy Shaping a Better World
“I had the great pleasure of partnering with Lois to help an international nonprofit client expand its board and launch its fundraising efforts. Her valuable insights on women in philanthropy and her research background were crucial to our work.”
— Tara Stone Medina, International Fundraising Consultant and Grantwriter, Washington, DC.
“Lois is doing outstanding work on women in philanthropy. With her extensive background in fundraising and nonprofits, she has so much to offer, I would highly recommend her as a consultant, trainer, or mentor. ”
— Shannon Ramsey, Founder, Trees Forever