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.

Congratulations Joyce Miles, Martha Taylor and Women for Florida State

I first met Joyce (pictured left) at Purdue University when we both were speaking at a conference for the College of Consumer and Family Sciences.  Since then our paths have crossed several times and she has always been a strong advocate for women and philanthropy initiatives at universities.  Her latest success is Florida State University.  Knowing from Martha Taylor (on the right) and others, the benefits of women's philanthropy initiatives to both women as donors and universities, Joyce, as a donor, has been working on helping establish a program at FSU for several years.  She even arranged for me to do a focus group and speak to their board and administration a few years ago (sometimes it takes a while for a program to get underway).  But most of all, it takes a Joyce to spearhead it.

Joyce just sent me to their new website and I am delighted to welcome Women for Florida State into the consortium of over forty universities with women and philanthropy initiatives.  The importance of these programs cannot be overemphasized.  They not only identify and provide additional funding for universities, but more importantly, they help women develop leadership opportunities and have a say in how and where universities allocate their donations.  My friend and colleague Martha Taylor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison knew that when she helped launch the first women's philanthropy initiative (Women's Philanthropy Council) at a public university in 1988 and she has been a leader ever since.

Here is what FSU says about why it formed "The Women for Florida State:"

• increase awareness of opportunities for women to stay actively engaged in life at the university;
• educate the community on the vital role women play in the past, present and future of Florida State;
• mentor the next generation of women leaders and philanthropists;
• provide a vehicle for members to communicate effectively;
• and recognize and celebrate accomplishments of the women of Florida State.

I love not only the concept of course, but the website and the way it features photos of "now and then" and connects with women.  Be sure to check it out and thank you Martha for the original concept and Joyce for its fulfillment.