In a recent poll conducted by WE Magazine for Women, 20% of Respondents have more money to give to Charities in 2008!
“When women are fully involved, the benefits can be seen immediately; families are healthier; they are better fed; their income, savings and reinvestment go up. And what is true of families is true of communities, and eventually, of whole countries.” Kofi Annan
103 women responded to our poll asking about what they plan for their philanthropic practices in Business for 2008. The results follow: 85% of the women said they will continue to support their favorite charities, 72% of the women responded that it is important for them to do business with companies that support charities, 51% said they have more time than money to give to charities, 20% said they have more money to give to charities in the coming year and 9% of the respondents said they are not in a position to contribute this year.
Although I don’t have data to back it up, I believe most women feel they are spread too thin because they want to support as many community organizations and nonprofits as possible. And so they are not able to give as much as they’d like to causes that come along they find worthy of supporting. Martha Taylor, Vice President, University ofWisconsin Foundation wrote an interesting article on the topic: “Facts About Women, Wealth and Giving Eight Strategies for More Effective Giving.”
Here are two of her strategies:
- Begin your philanthropy as early in life as possible. Even if you can’t give as much as you’d like, your gifts will add up and begin to form your legacy.
- Find your passion, and focus your gifts, rather than scattering them. Think about two or three areas or causes you want to support, and make this your philanthropic mission. Not only will your gifts have more impact, but you will find your giving more satisfying.
To read the other six strategies visit: http://www.ohio.edu/development/women/wealthgiving.cfm
If you are interested in more information, here are four online organizations that provide women with programs and services to enhance their knowledge of philanthropy.
Women’s Philanthropy Institute is a leader in donor-centered education for women. With a cadre of experienced presenters and an extensive knowledge base, WPI’s programs and services are designed to unleash women’s philanthropic power.
Women in Philanthropy at University of Michigan
Learning to Give
