Women’s Philanthropy Institute

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can continue advancing gender equity through philanthropy. Women donors have long been at the forefront of transformational giving, yet scaling their impact requires intentional strategies. This article, originally shared by former WPI Director Jeannie Infante Sager on June 8, 2023, outlines proven practices for expanding women’s philanthropy—practices that are just as relevant today as they were when first published. By implementing these strategies, we can further strengthen and sustain the influence of women’s giving. - Jacqueline Ackerman, Interim Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute 

📖 Women's Philanthropy Through History 📖 Throughout history, women have used philanthropy to create lasting change—but many of their stories remain untold. Ella Baker revolutionized civil rights activism by championing grassroots leadership through the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her philanthropic vision went beyond monetary giving. Baker invested in human potential, believing those most impacted by injustice should lead social change. She developed leadership among young Black activists, particularly women, creating sustainable frameworks for collective action. Baker's approach demonstrates how true philanthropy reshapes society—by lifting up community voices and supporting grassroots leadership. Her legacy continues to inspire social movements and challenge traditional approaches to creating change. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensPhilanthropy #CivilRights 

Only 2% of U.S. philanthropic giving goes to organizations supporting women and girls, according to our Women & Girls Index. Despite making up more than half the population, these causes remain drastically underfunded. The latest episode of MPR News with Angela Davis shines a light on this issue, featuring Gloria Perez, President & CEO of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota. Perez highlights why investing in women and girls is key to their safety, health, and success. As philanthropy evolves, data-driven giving can help close the giving gap highlighted in our research and create meaningful change. Listen to the conversation and explore WPI’s findings to learn more. 🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/4iG60K2 📊 Insights from the Women & Girls Index: https://bit.ly/4izxTn4 #WomenGive #GenderEquity #Philanthropy #DataDrivenGiving

📖 Women’s Philanthropy Through History 📖 Throughout history, women have used philanthropy to create lasting change—but many of their stories remain untold. One such figure is Eliza Hamilton, who co-founded the first private orphanage in New York City, pioneering structured child welfare in the U.S. After Alexander Hamilton’s death in 1804, she devoted herself to philanthropy, ensuring that orphaned and abandoned children had access to stability, education, and care. For over 40 years, she led the institution’s fundraising, governance, and operations, securing its long-term sustainability at a time when women’s leadership in public service was rarely recognized. Her story is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of women’s philanthropy and the importance of investing in the next generation. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensPhilanthropy #WomenGive 

Honoring History, Shaping the Future: The Power of Black Women in Philanthropy As Inside Philanthropy’s recent article highlights, a new generation of Black philanthropists is reshaping the giving landscape, with leaders like Fawn Weaver using their wealth to drive impact. Through the Nearest Green Foundation, Weaver is preserving untold history while expanding educational access—an approach that echoes broader trends in women’s philanthropy. WPI’s Women Give research has long shown that women are intentional, community-driven donors, often prioritizing education, equity, and long-term change. Weaver’s work is a testament to how philanthropy can bridge past and future, investing in both historical preservation and opportunities for the next generation. 📖 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/g2xxWqcf 📊 Explore Women Give research:  https://lnkd.in/eD2cVZm4 #WomensPhilanthropy #BlackPhilanthropy #WomenGive #Education #GenerationalGiving #Philanthropy

🌟 Honoring Women’s History Month 🌟 Women have been at the forefront of progress, using their voices, leadership, and generosity to shape a better world. Throughout history, they have driven change in business, philanthropy, healthcare, education, and beyond. This month, we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and lasting impact of women leaders—past and present. Their contributions remind us that when women rise, communities thrive. Let’s continue to uplift, support, and invest in women’s leadership. Who is a woman in history that inspires you? Share in the comments! #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenLead #WomenGive #SocialImpact #Leadership #Equity

📱 The Future of Fundraising: Engaging Gen Z Gen Z’s mobile-first habits and passion for social causes are transforming the nonprofit sector. As this NonProfit PRO article highlights, Gen Z expects seamless digital experiences, using tools like QR codes, SMS messaging, and digital wallets to engage with causes they care about. 💡Our Women Give 2020 research shows that women donors are also embracing technology to give. Women are leading in digital engagement and are giving more than men—across platforms, in smaller gifts and to smaller organizations. Like Gen Z, women value transparency, authenticity, and social causes. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/41Lhi8V Find our Women Give 2020 research here:  https://lnkd.in/g5PJkrX4 #GenZ #Philanthropy #WomenGive #MobileFundraising #TechForGood #WomenInPhilanthropy #SocialImpact

📖 Women’s Philanthropy Through History 📖 Throughout history, women have used philanthropy to create lasting change—but many of their stories remain untold. Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was a trailblazer in medicine and philanthropy. As the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree, she dedicated her life to addressing healthcare disparities for Native communities. She secured funding to establish the first hospital on the Omaha Reservation, ensuring better medical care for generations to come. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of how advocacy and strategic philanthropy can transform lives and create healthier communities. 🏥 #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensPhilanthropy #WomenGive

🤖 AI & the Future of Philanthropy: What’s at Stake? This Alliance magazine article explores the need for philanthropy to invest in building trust in AI. AI presents exciting opportunities for expanding reach, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing donor engagement. However, the sector must navigate ethical considerations to ensure AI-driven solutions align with philanthropic missions. 🔎 What does this mean for women’s philanthropy? Research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) shows that women donors prioritize transparency, collaboration, and long-term impact. As AI continues to reshape the nonprofit landscape, it’s critical that the technology aligns with these values, ensuring it enhances equity and doesn’t perpetuate existing disparities. 📃 Read more on AI’s role in philanthropy: https://bit.ly/4hxZyDK  #WomenGive #AIforGood #Philanthropy #WomensPhilanthropy #PhilanthropyTrends2025

 📖 Women’s Philanthropy Through History 📖 All month long, we’re spotlighting women whose giving shaped the world. Today, we’re highlighting a post by our friends at Pivotal Ventures celebrating the lives and impact of two black female philanthropists: Oseola McCarty and Madam C.J. Walker!