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!