Wealthy Women Married To Wealthy Men: Their Philanthropy Can Lead the Way

Women married to wealthy men have often been philanthropic but just as often, their giving has been related to social events and benefits. What Martha, Buffy, and I have always supported, are women considering a couple's money as being their money and equally shared in earning and giving away...thus giving to change the world, even if it's not always comfortable or the norm by doing so. A recent article in the Financial Times shows Melinda Gates as a wonderful role model for us all. She is a strategic philanthropist while at the same time, as a caring woman, always aware of children, other women, and causes that speak to a better, more equitable, sustainable and more generous future.      

Doris Buffett and Brenda Biederman Helping People in Need

When Brenda Biederman started mAIDens of Michigan (mAIDens) in Traverse City, Michigan three years ago, her desire was to help women in need get a helping hand to make a better life for themselves and their families.  (mAIDens was the subject of the September 2010 blog).

Thus, it was so satisfying to read the NY Times article, "Donors Weigh the Ideals of Meaningful Giving," in the November 1, 2011 edition because Doris Buffett with her Sunshine Lady Foundation is also focused on helping people in need and empowering them through reading and hearing their stories.  Just like Biederman and mAIDens with of course a great deal more money.

Buffett has started programs in maximum-security prisons to help inmates get degrees from accredited colleges and provided education to victims of domestic violence.  As with mAIDens, the Sunshine Lady Foundation gets many requests for eyeglasses, tires, teeth, roofs, and refrigerators.  Items that we all may take for granted but when we think about it, mean so much to the quality of our lives.

Meeting basic needs to help people change their lives is such a sure sign of women's compassion and generosity.  These women are role models for us all.  They represent large and small communities (Omaha, Nebraska and Traverse City, Michigan) and show that caring women all over the country can use their money to create special ways to express their philanthropy.

If you know of a woman in your community who is doing something very special with her philanthropy to help those in need, please let me know and she will be featured in this blog as well.

"Daughters of the Declaration: How Women Social Entrepreneurs Built the American Dream"

Professor, author and former college president, Claire Guadiani has been a very strong supporter of women and philanthropy and we greatly appreciate all she has done, particularly in pointing out how women's past contributions have changed society and created national prosperity.

Her new book with her husband, David Burnett, Daughters of the Declaration, makes it clear that women have always been on the cutting edge of dealing with the social issues of today; that women have used their entrepreneurship to create America's unique not-for-profit, or social profit sector.  And that women's idealism and optimism have played a major role in the increasing prosperity of our nation.

In the book, she points out, "…the notion that the great industrialists created America’s social profit sector is simply wrong.  It suggests that citizen responsibility for building a just society was led by very wealthy, politically connected men…: In fact, the social profit sector was developed not by the great men of industry, but by women….long before the “robber barons” created foundations and universities bearing their names.  Women did so before elected officials defined a meaningful role for government in such matters as public health, education, workplace safety, or the ownership of slaves.  Women began this work at a time when they were not even entitled to own property or inherit wealth."


Now women have not only the natural instincts to deal with the social issues of today, we have the money and the clout as well.  We are positioned, as never before in history, to make a huge difference with not only our time and our feelings of responsibility, but with our money as well.  As Claire has said in the past, "We are the generation of women the world has been waiting for.  We should do more than soak up the good life to make up for what others did for us in the past."


This new book shows us what women have done in the past and against all odds.  The odds are now in our favor and it is up to us to show what we can do to make the world a better place, one by one and together.

Preparing to Launch a Women’s Philanthropy Program

With so much interest shown in developing women's philanthropy initiatives, it was time to include the following material written by my co-author and blog contributor, Martha Taylor, vice president of the University of Wisconsin Foundation.  Martha says:

"Before starting or expanding a women’s philanthropy program, make sure you have the following components to ensure your success.

1.    Staff and management commitment. One or ideally two (or more) staff members envision the role of a women’s program at the institution and decide to take it on as a project. Some organizations have formalized an internal “women’s philanthropy task force” and involved several staff persons. Management needs to endorse exploring the effort and back it up later with staff and budget.

2.    Core group of women volunteer leadership and major donors. Before beginning a program, seek the input of a core group of women volunteer leaders and donors. Brainstorm with them about how to engage women with your institution.

3.    Clear vision, mission, goals and values. The program will succeed long term if it has a well defined mission, vision, goals and values—all standard good practices in a development office. Volunteer leaders and staff work together to formulate goals and objectives.  You should know how many women are giving to your organization, how much and at what giving level.

4.    Business plan and evaluation method. Develop a business plan and analysis of how the program will fit into your development operation. This internal analysis includes benchmarking to assess your progress.

5.    Organizational culture that supports women’s giving. Complete an internal audit concerning your operations, the role of women in your organization, the potential of women as an audience. Standard operating procedures in the organization should respect women and women’s perspectives."

    

    Martha A. Taylor, Vice President, University of Wisconsin Foundation

    From Woman and Philanthropy: Bolding Shaping a New World

Generations, Gender and Generosity

I was pleased to have been part of the celebration of the Women's Philanthropy Council of the University of Wisconsin Foundation's tenth biennial forum on philanthropy"Generations, Gender and Generosity." My dear friend and colleague, Martha Taylor helped establish the Council twenty three years ago and it was the first women's philanthropy initiative at a public university.

The day opened with my moderating a four member panel of women of different generations discussing their philanthropy.  As you might imagine, the women did have some differences in their approach to philanthropy: Gen Y said she had no trouble approaching her friends for money while the others found asking friends to be somewhat difficult.  But most of the approaches to giving were very similar, despite the difference in ages from 21 years to 93 years.

When asked what they felt their responsibilities were as philanthropic leaders, the women said to educate others so they know how to give back, and to lead by example and not give anonymously.

I asked about the values they wanted to pass on to the next generation and they said making a difference, the responsibility to put philanthropy to its best use, compassion and giving to things that touch the heart.

As for the panel's expectations from giving a gift, the answers were knowing how the gift was used, that their gift was earmarked and not for the general fund, and looking at their contribution in the same way as when making a new investment; they want an accounting.

When the discussion turned to how they like to be asked for a gift, they said through the use of stories and knowing there will be collaboration with others.

And finally, we talked about where philanthropy is headed.  The responses were that more people will be giving locally as compared to giving to large institutions, and that philanthropy will become even more important with government cutbacks.

One panel member closed the session with the inspiring comment about the cup half full and half empty story and said what we really must do is give our cup to others to drink.  Her statement was a fine conclusion to the day's atmosphere of giving back, giving to basic needs, compassion, and generosity that was in abundance at the day long forum.

Couple Philanthropy: Laurene Powell Jobs

We have long known about the influence that Melinda Gates has on the Gates' giving.  And now comes the news about Laurene Powell Jobs and Steve Jobs.  Steve has often been criticized for not being philanthropic or taking part in the billionaire "Giving Pledge." But, at his death the truth comes out.  Jobs' wife, Laurene Powell Jobs is a remarkable philanthropist whose husband supported what she did and turned all philanthropy over to her.

She was quiet about her philanthropy but has consistently backed education reform and women's issues.  In 1997 she co-founded an educational reform organization called College Track and has become a leader in education policy, advising nonprofits and politicians.  The Jobs family has quietly donated millions of dollars to College Track, combining money with Laurene's work.

True to the "Connection" part of our 6 C's of motivations for women's giving: Laurene said about the College Track program, "this is important enough that I am not going to just write a check--I am going to build with my own hands an infrastructure that can help students go to college."  The program has trained more than 1,000 students, 90% of whom went on to a four-year college.

Her most recent philanthropic endeavor was to establish a broader organization called the Emerson Collective to work with a range of entrepreneurs to advance domestic and international social reform efforts.  It is called the Emerson Collective because its name is based on Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance," and the organization believes in "empowering the individual by giving them tools to live a productive life."

Laurene's influence was also felt at Apple when the company, this past spring, established a program to collect first-generation iPads to be donated to Teach for America corps members.

She has appeared at Clinton's Global Initiative and made a trip to the Congo last year and invested in the Eastern Congo Initiative.

Another huge example of how women are influencing couple giving and defining philanthropy.  Steve Jobs changed the world through his entrepreneurship.  We can't wait to see the difference Laurene Powell Jobs will make on the world through her philanthropy.

A Challenge to Non-Profits: Invest in Women

Have you thought about how much of your organization's portfolio is invested in international stocks?  Despite a volatile US market and the problems with the European stock market, I guarantee you probably have at least 20% in international investments.  And that's without including US companies that have overseas operations.  

So, if you have 20% of your investments in global stocks, shouldn't you also be giving 20% of your grants abroad?  And where should those grants be made?  Author and New York columnist Nicholas Kristoff says, “The world is awakening to a powerful truth: women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution.”

Corporations are beginning to understand what Kristoff is saying.  At President Clinton's annual philanthropy event, Merck, announced a $500-million commitment over the next decade to help reduce the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth.  The company will be working with Save the Children, among other groups.

The Exxon Mobil Foundation is giving $1.5-million to the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to study how mobile-phone technology can help women entrepreneurs strengthen their business.

And Ford, Nike, NoVo and William and Flora Hewlett foundations announced a new partnership to reduce the number of girls who are forced into marriages before the age of 18.

Major corporations are taking the initiative, but ask yourselves, do you have women's health, business, or agricultural programs abroad to which you can give more funding?  Or can you initiate a cultural exchange, a women's art or music program?  One that would include a partner project with your non-profit.

Think about it and invest in women globally.  Lead the way with non-profits: organizations and institutions.  Partner with corporations.  The possibilities are endless.  And the outcome guaranteed.

Giving by African American Women

Michele Minter

I interviewed Michele Minter, formerly with Princeton University and now vice president for development at the College Board for our book, Women and Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World, and she had some very interesting observations about giving by women of color, in particular, African American women.

Minter pointed out that women are not a homogeneous group.  "Although the strength of race and gender affiliation in philanthropy has not been studied systematically, anecdotally there is evidence that African American women are more likely to identify first as black, and then as a woman.  This is important because words have different meanings within different cultural traditions."

For instance, Minter says that the word philanthropy is not used as much in black church traditions as the word stewardship.

She also states that a stumbling block for black women's giving is that nonprofit communication materials often lack images and vocabulary that help people of color see themselves presented, making it difficult for them to identify with the cause.

And finally, Minter discusses how racial and ethnic communities have rich traditions of social structures and networks that nonprofit leaders often fail to recognize.  "If organizations want to engage black women, they should recognize the power of churches, sororities, and civil rights organizations as partners that have credibility with their potential donors," Minter says.

Keeping all these important points in mind are critical to increasing diversity in women's giving.

Women and Peace: Women Transcending Borders

When my colleague, Carmen Stevens, and I conducted our generational research about women's philanthropy, we found that peace was the one objective all generations of women wanted.  Thus I wasn't surprised to see the article in the September 3, 2011 New York Times about the formation of a group called Women Transcending Boundaries following 9/11.  The organization was begun so women could better understand each others faiths.  One of the focuses of Women Transcending Boundaries is to organize international dinners to raise money for girls schools in Pakistan.

Just another inspiring example of women coming together to create change and bring about peace.  Further proof of the 6 C's of women's motivations to give: create, change, connect, commit, collaborate, and celebrate.  We surely celebrate Women Transcending Boundaries.

Communicating With Women

Eight Best Strategies to Communicate With Women

1. Talk to her; she influences couple giving as well as her own; a major reason women don't give is because they're not asked or spoken with.
2. Tell your story; make it brief, compelling, with a challenge that has been overcome. Help her identify with the story character.  When the story concludes, know she will want to support your cause.
3. Respect her intelligence and individuality; understand where she is in her life stage.
4. Use the 6 C's of women's motivations for giving; they are helpful in all conversations and communications.
5. Explain how societal issues will be impacted by her giving; show how her gift will be transformative.
6. Be aware of the importance of diversity to her; both on your boards and how her gift will be used.
7. Provide role models; help her see others who are involved, past and present.
8. Consider her capable of being bold and audacious; she will reward you with her entrepreneurial spirit.

I recently used these eight strategies at a seminar for the communication and development staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and was very pleased with the feedback I received.

Women Inspire Corporate Philanthropy

According to a new paper from Christopher Marquis and Matthew Lee of the Harvard Business School, companies with more female senior managers give more money to charity.  The same study showed that companies with more female board members give more money.

Their conclusions are that since women tend to give more in general, women board members and senior managers are in a position to influence their company's giving.  Also, that women board members are more likely to come from the nonprofit world than are male board members and are more aware of nonprofit initiatives and the impact of corporate giving.

Because, according to a study from the Center for Women's Business Research found that half of women business owners with companies of more than $1 million in assets give at least $10,000 to charity annually compared to only 40% of men, a question remains as to whether women CEO's would give more money to nonprofits.  But unfortunately there are not enough women in this position yet to do a statistically accurate survey.  We have to believe that not only will there be more women CEO's but the research will show those companies with women CEO's also will give more.

The study, conducted with Fortune 500 companies to see which factors influence their generosity, is a very positive indicator of the ways women are changing philanthropy.

Check Out the New Book About Philanthropy

Inspired Legacies has just released a new book, Trusted Advisors for the Next Generation, available online. 


Tracy Gary, co-founder of Inspired Legacies selected a group of "expert investment and donor advisors to explore emerging trends in philanthropy and investment." I was very pleased to be included as an author in an article co-written with philanthropist activist Helen LaKelly Hunt entitled, "Women and Philanthropy: Why Women Are the Answer."


A quote from our chapter:  
"Voice without echo dies - which is why uniting with other women has been so empowering for us as donors.  Our drive to become actively engaged in managing our finances and our philanthropy arose because we wanted our money to reflect our values.  We found advisors who understood this.  And we feel it is crucial that "next generation" financial advisors recognize the importance of donor education in helping women find their voice - with their investments and within their philanthropy."

How Far Can A Woman Go?

I recently met Homa at the Women's Funding Network Conference and was enchanted not only with her, but with the concept. Homa the doll is preparing to set out on a fantastic journey, posing the question to all: How far can a woman go when she is supported? When she has an education? Health care? Infrastructure? Hope?

Homa  was lovingly crafted by a widowed woman in Afghanistan, a woman who uses her craft and creativity as a means to support herself and her family in challenging circumstances. Her creativity is her vehicle for empowerment.  As part of their Afghan Dolls Project, Rising International has helped to support and empower over 60 widows in Kabul by offering them a market for their dolls.

And now, Homa is preparing to set out on an inspiring  journey around the globe where she will be hosted by supporting organizations and individuals. Her first part of the journey began when she visited the Women’s Funding Network conference in Brooklyn. 

We can all join the fun and follow Homa on her journey by “friending” Homa on her Facebook page.

And best yet, you can adopt a doll for yourself and truly be a part of supporting what Homa is all about… asking how far can a woman go when she has the support she needs. 

Carmel Jud, Executive Director of  Rising International with Homa preparing for the Human Race for Change.

"I'm a Philanthropist: How Women are Changing America's Charitable Landscape"

A fantastic video,  "I'm a Philanthropist: How Women Are Changing America's Charitable Landscape,"  was created by the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven's Community Fund for Women and Girls.  I've been working in the field of women's philanthropy for over twenty years and finally, the true story is told and the words philanthropy and money are spoken as commonly as giving and change.  No one is ashamed or hesitant to use the words.  I loved the video and am telling the world about it.  Be sure to watch and let the Fund know how much you liked it.  Wouldn't it be great if every organization had the video to show to their members and donors.  It speaks to every woman regardless of age, race or culture.  Congratulations New Haven.

Volunteer Frustration

In our research around the 6 C's of women's motivations to give, we found that women want to be connected to the cause they are giving to.  That sounds easy enough until you add the component of "seeing the face" their gift impacts.  Recently, I decided I had served on enough boards.  As I have said so often, no one wants me for my "fine mind," it's always for fundraising and I'm quite tired of that.

Now I want to do something where I can work first hand with people, particularly teenagers.  I have raised 3 children and have 8 grandchildren.  I understand and probably have dealt with most of their issues.  But so far, I have been told I can't work directly with the young people because of privacy laws.  Other than Big Sisters, where I can't volunteer because I am not around in the winter, I have either been turned down or not had any response to my queries.  In fact, it's as if I'm rather crazy to want to be in the trenches rather than the boardroom.

Now I have met many social workers who are burned out and overcome with paperwork.  One who works with foster children told me recently that she has 80 cases and only can spend one hour a month with each of them.  Otherwise, she's tied down with all the paperwork.

There has to be something terribly wrong with our system when the only volunteer opportunities available to me are to file papers, serve on fundraising committees, and plan events.  None of which puts me in touch with the young people with whom I would like to work.

I am frustrated!

Women World Wide Leading Through Philanthropy

From Special Contributor,  Martha Taylor

I recently attended the Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s (WPI) Women World Wide Leading Through Philanthropy conference held in Chicago, March 10-11, 2011.  It was a vibrant gathering of people from around the world and had an emphasis in two areas: 

• Insights into women’s philanthropy to all causes in the U.S. and abroad
• Women’s philanthropic investments in international causes. 

The Women’s Philanthropy Institute is part of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the conference featured four plenary sessions and fourteen break-out sessions.  At one session, WPI director Dr. Debra Mesch reported on the latest WPI research: the Women Give report showed that women head of households give more than men head of households at all income levels.  Other topics covered in other sessions included:

• The role of women in philanthropy for Mexico, China, Africa.
• How one person can make a difference in philanthropy abroad.
• Special efforts to help women and girls internationally.
• Family philanthropy now has a larger number of women having greater control over family foundations because of the cultural shift in the balance in marriage. 
• In Asia, philanthropy is done through bridge-making and collaboration between efforts. 
• In India women have had an increasing role with family philanthropy in the last twenty years.  
• It is difficult to measure family philanthropy outside the U.S. The challenges are that governments try to channel money to certain groups; obstacles exist to receipt of funds; and higher fences have arisen to moving money overseas since 9/11.

Jane Leighty Justis moderated a panel on Women Shaping the Future of Foundation Leadership. Panel members highlighted their personal journeys in philanthropic efforts in the U.S. and abroad.

A panel entitled “Girl Champions: Are Marketing Campaigns the Tipping Point” described the huge impact marketing can play in raising funds from girls and their families. Girl Up, part of the United Nations Foundation, wants to create “philanthroteens,” girls interested in helping others overseas. More than 170,000 girls have responded through marketing through Facebook and other means. Girl Effect is another effort to involve girls in giving to help gifts in poverty internationally.

Peggy Dulany, Founder and Chair of The Synergos Institute, gave the opening keynote, "The Imperative for Women’s Voices in Philanthropy Today." A summary of some of her remarks follows.

• Lead through love, not fear. 
• The need to rebalance male and female characteristics in all of us. The world is currently out of balance. Female characteristics in society have been suppressed-- collaboration and sharing. Male traits have increased-- militarism and competition.  Each of us has male and female characteristics. Both characteristics are good when they are in balance. However, each can have wounded traits: male being excessively competitive; female being excessively passive. View the contradictions as a normal part of life.
• The positive predominantly female characteristics are: convening, networking, bridging across divides “bridging leaders,” listening, empathy, fostering chains of trust, low ego needs, ability to reach out to other diverse leaders, partnership building, building capacity for people, expanding creativity and a sense of connectivity to others. These apply all to philanthropy and help create change.
• All of us must find a deeper purpose within ourselves beyond what is expected of us. Other people’s experience gives us courage. 
• Safe spaces need to be created for people to find themselves.

As a response to Delany’s remarks, Jennifer Buffett, President of the Novo Foundation, said:

• What you do in your philanthropy is an extension of your life and reflects your values
• The world is out of balance. Democracy is balance. It is cooperation.
• Women have a secret talent—our brains have more connections. 
• Wholeness in what we know should be incorporated into ourselves.  

Other impressions from the conference included:

• Giving to women and girls internationally is essential to the advancement of society.
•  Special campaigns by the Red Cross, CARE, United Nations Foundation and the Women’s Moving Millions Campaign have raised the visibility of women’s philanthropic leadership by collective action.
• Autonomous women’s organizations are a prerequisite to women’s rights.
• The power of women in groups is important—they increase collaboration.
• Intergenerational giving is increasing in the U.S. and abroad.
•  Legal barriers abroad are lower for faith based organizations
• Boomer women are the most powerful women in the world.
• Lack of role models is still the biggest problem for women today.
• U.S. donors are more connected to overseas causes through stories, photos, site visits and volunteering.
• Governments are the ultimate answer for alleviating poverty.
•  Measure success in terms of years, not short term. One good option is funding a project for three to ten years to see results, instead of one time investments.
• More research on women’s philanthropy will illuminate the areas where work still needs to be done in educating women about how to leverage their giving.
• No matter what a woman’s passion is, it starts from a personal place.
•  Leverage all your assets—put your money in women-friendly organizations. Be visible in your support—don’t be anonymous.
• Take risks with your philanthropy.

What a thrill to meet women philanthropists from around the world and hear
about women and families coming together to help alleviate poverty abroad.
I was especially impressed with the young women at the conference: both
philanthropists and staff. They are working to find new ways to
communicate with others of mutual concern via facebook, the web and
twitter. I believe the efforts to educate youth will impact giving into the future.

But the best part of the conference was to hear the stories from individual
women about how they found their passion in international philanthropy.
The women talked about providing thousands of shoes to poor children in
third world countries, to assisting with the education of girls in a small
village. The greatest satisfaction, these women explained, is improving
the life chances of needy individuals, which affects communities and even
nations.

The Women's Funding Network Conference and Women's Leadership Qualities

Helen Hunt and Melanie Harris with me at the book signing

At the recent Women's Funding Network Annual Conference in New York, it was difficult to say what was most special: Chile's former president, Michelle Bachelet keynote, the fantastic women I met, the great sessions and presenters, or our book selling out, including one to Sarah Mukasa, Director of Programmes at the African Women's Development Fund in Ghana.

But for me, one session stood out from all others, perhaps because I know I will be doing a session on philanthropic leadership in the fall at the University of Wisconsin's Women's Philanthropy Council.  The panelists were asked what one leadership quality they had and their answers were:

1. The ability to listen
2. Passion for the cause
3. Collective action
4. Bodacious and risk taking
5. Ability to take constructive criticism and change
6. Tenacity
7. Sense of humor
8. Physical energy

When considering women's philanthropic leadership, these qualities really got me thinking.  Would men have responded in the same ways? I really don't think so.  

In any case, I look forward to working with these eight leadership qualities in preparing for the November session and thank you to the following panelists for sharing their thoughts: Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, The First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria; Jamie Allison-Hope, S.H. Cowell Foundation and Spark; Emilienne de Leon, International Network of Women's Funds; Tiffany Dufu, The White House Project; Sara Gould, Foundation Center; and Becky Sykes, Dallas Women's Foundation.

Women's Philanthropic Prowress

Martha Taylor and Sondra at our AFP book signing

Four sessions about Women and Philanthropy were held at the annual conference of the Association of Fundraising Professionals last week.  Martha and I were there presenting as was the Women's Philanthropy Institute and authors, Margaret May Damen and Nicki McCuistion.  We also had a book signing.

But another session was brought to our attention by Holly Hall (we were delighted she attended our session) from the Chronicle of Philanthropy which she wrote up in the March 22 issue under the headline, "Women Are Becoming Better Prospects for Fundraisers."  The session was conducted by Susan U. Raymond, a New York economist and executive vice president of Changing Our World, a fund-raising consulting company.

Among the data Ms. Raymond presented was:

• Wealth controlled by women in the US and Canada will grow 30 percent by 2014.
• Women now control more than 50 percent of the wealth in Denmark, Finland, France, German, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
• Forty-one percent of all American businesses are owned by women.
• One in 11 American women owns her own business and if these firms were a country, they would be right behind Germany in size. 

As we have always said, women have the money and the intent, they just need to be asked.

AFP Recognizes The Importance of Women's Philanthropy

Three education sessions about one women's philanthropy in one day! That's what's happening at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP} International Conference on March 22 in Chicago's McCormick Place.  Obviously the topic is resonating internationally, as it should.

From 8 to 9, will be a session titled, "A Case Study in Global Women's Philanthropy in the 21st Century," put on by the Center on Philanthropy and Lions Club International.

At 9:15 Martha Taylor and I will do a session, "Women, Money and Philanthropy" and following that, Margaret May Damen and Niki Nicastro McCuistion will talk about the boomer generation of women in their session, "Women, Wealth and Giving."

Closing the conference that day is President Bill Clinton.  What a day!

Girls Are More Likely to Support Charities Using Social Medua

Interesting article in today's Chronicle of Philanthropy

February 24, 2011, 11:20 am

By Derek Lieu

A new study by the charity World Vision finds that more than half of teenage girls said they had become more aware of the needs of others as a result of using social networks like Facebook and Twitter, while less than a third of boys said the same thing.

Out of a survey group of more than 500 youngsters ages 13 to 17, 41 percent of girls said they interact with charities online by “liking” Facebook pages and following Twitter profiles, compared with 27 percent of boys.

Fifty-one percent of girls said they had become more aware of the needs of others as a result, while just 38 percent of boys said that.

As expected, the study found high overall levels of social media use: Four out of five teenagers surveyed said they used social networks.

World Vision sponsored the study to coincide with its annual 30 Hour Famine, scheduled for February 25-26, in which teenagers fast for 30 hours to raise money for global poverty. The event, which raised $10.4-million dollars last year, has set a goal of $11-million for 2011. World Vision expects 200,000 participants.

The study was conducted online by Harris Interactive in January.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=thirty+hour+famine&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

"The Charity Divide: Study Shows Women More Generous Givers than Men"

There's a great article in the Friday, February 11 Time magazine about the recent study by the Women's Philanthropy Institute.  Dr. Debra Mesch, the director of the institute is quoted.  She says, "It is not just the older white males [giving], we are seeing women really growing in terms of philanthropy." The study is titled "Women Give 2010."

It is a wonderful lead up to the international symposium, "Women World Wide Leading Through Philanthropy," to be held in Chicago, March 10 and 11 sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy.  We are pleased that the second Shaw-Hardy Taylor Achievement Award will be presented by Martha Taylor at the symposium .

Philanthropy and Memoirs

I am thrilled to report that my home town newspaper recently published an article about books my daughter and I have had published.  The Traverse City, Michigan Record Eagle newspaper article, titled "Mother's, daughter's books" featured both our books.  The mention means so much to me because Heather Shaw, whose book is Write, Memory is not only my daughter but was also an editor for our book, Women and Philanthropy, Boldly Shaping a Better World.  You can read more about Heather on her blog.

From the 6 C's to the 4 C's

Last September, I spoke to the Dining For Women's Leadership Summit in Atlanta and I wanted to share some of what an attendee from Atlanta, Alexis Atwood had to say about a new personal twist on the C's of women's giving. In my keynote address, I had explained the 6 C's of women's giving and then said that I read Donna Karan also had her own C's: cashmere, cotton, candles, and compassion.  In the excerpt below, Alexis takes it from there.

                     Leadership Summit, Friday, September 24th, 2010, 8:00 PM

In closing, Sondra discussed the idea of four personal “C’s “. It’s simply words that begin with the letter “C” that describe yourself, three of which are personal and the fourth being philanthropic. Sondra told us that her “Four C’s” were Comfort, Coffee, Cologne, and Caring, and then she asked each one of us to determine our own “Four C’s.” Upon returning to our room for the evening with several Atlanta chapter ladies in tow, we found ourselves discussing our “Four C’s.” After claiming that it seemed difficult, with most of us thinking only of food items…Cheeseburgers, Cookies, Cheese, Cupcakes, Chocolate, etc… (I mean, yum!!!) we suddenly started finding our own words… Clever, Compassionate, Creative, Contagious Personality, Confidence, Character, Co-creating... It appears that when we women give ourselves just a few moments to actually think about ourselves (because you know we often forget to do that!), we remember what really lies beneath, why the women’s philanthropic movement is thriving and growing, and why we are a part Dining for Women.

- Alexis Atwood