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.