March 27, 2025

Women & Philanthropy: A Force for Change

Martha A. Taylor

One of life’s greatest joys is the giving of self – time, talent and resources. This concept of giving in everyday life – living philanthropically – permeates the teachings of all religions and humanitarian traditions. We see these principles applied to business, government and civic life resulting in great acts of good in our society and the concept of the common good.

In my board leadership role with Madison Community Foundation, my professional life as an executive for the University of Wisconsin Foundation and on countless primarily Lutheran-related boards for colleges, campus ministries and social services, I have observed the power of philanthropy as a force for good in the world.

Throughout history, many women have embodied these principles as givers. However, their financial contributions have been largely hidden and only understood relatively recently with the emergence of a new field of study and action: women’s philanthropy.

In Women’s History Month, it is a privilege to write about women’s philanthropy – an area in which I am personally and professionally engaged.

Field of Women’s Philanthropy Launched in Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the city of Madison are the birthplaces of the field of women’s philanthropy. In the late 1980s, with the encouragement and support of family and philanthropists, Sondra Shaw-Hardy and I created focus groups of two age cohorts of Madison women to discuss the role of women in philanthropy.

In 1991, the New York Times Magazine featured this study and additional descriptions of my work in forming the Women’s Philanthropy Council at the University of Wisconsin Foundation in an article “Alma Maters Court Their Daughters.” That initial Madison cohort study, other larger studies and subsequent visibility because of exposure in The Times blossomed into national and international movement that included three books, a nonprofit of national scope, and then a full academic center with an endowed professorship about women’s philanthropy.

Early in our research, we learned that women did not perceive themselves as philanthropic leaders and they were not being treated as such by development professionals. The women were not asked to give, and when they were, they were not asked in a way that was comfortable for them. Then, when they did decide to give, most often they were not credited with their gifts — their husbands were acknowledged and thanked.

Not asking women for gifts is a problem because the process of being asked for a gift both educates donors and informs philanthropy. By focusing only on men for gifts, the passions and interests of women were underrepresented at major institutions. This includes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as society as a whole.

Everyone Wants to Be Effective, But for Women It’s Personal

Considerable research now indicates that men and women engage with and carry out philanthropy differently. Sondra and I found that both women and men wanted to use their volunteer and personal experiences and financial resources to be effective philanthropists. But women were driven more by personal relationships, especially those with:

• The organization’s leadership,
• Those benefitting from the gift, whenever possible, and
• Others in their network of family and friends.

An adage in the field is that women take 10 times longer to make a decision about a major gift. But when they do make that decision, the gift is 10 times larger and they bring 10 of their friends with them.

This emphasis on relationships is reflected in women’s preferences for how they are acknowledged as well. Women generally find personal acknowledgement of their gifts important to them; public recognition, not as much.

Philanthropic Women Come Into Their Own

Women – married women – did not have full legal rights to their own money until the early 1970s. The empowerment of women as philanthropists became the last frontier of the women’s movement: women giving themselves, generously through major gifts, and to the areas of their own interest.

In addition to supporting the “traditional” areas of women’s giving –faith institutions, education, and helping those in need – women began to focus their giving on the needs of women and girls.

Research shows that investing in women benefits families, makes children more apt to thrive. A lack of financial resources and opportunities creates challenges that pose real barriers to advancement in society. Without intervention, these challenges often persist from one generation to the next. Philanthropic support can offer a chance to break the cycle by providing women the economic security and opportunities that come with education and job training.

Women philanthropists are discerning individuals. They study the issues and get involved and connected to their causes. They must continue to invest in large, focused efforts to societal issues to improve the life chances of all.

Women’s Philanthropy in Our Community

My lifelong commitment to women reflects this belief that investing in women and girls greatly benefits society. Three of my favorite local examples of women helping women through Madison Community Foundation are:

• A Fund For Women – A permanent endowment started 25 years ago by Jane Coleman, who invited 100 women to contribute $1,000 each. I was privileged to be among these founding donors. Today the fund distributes more than $100,000 (and growing) each year to support women’s economic empowerment in our community
• Women Artists Forward Fund – Inspired by the “Forward” statue at the top of State Street and its female artist and funders, Madison artists Brenda Baker and Bird Ross, with support from dozens of local donors, established this permanent fund that now supports emerging and established women artists each year.

More women than ever realize that philanthropy can be one of the most meaningful parts of their lives. Helping others in both small and large ways brings real joy and can be a powerful force for change in our community and our world.

It is a privilege to work with – and be inspired by – so many strong women making a difference in Madison and around the world. My message to women AND men is to continue giving generously to the causes you find meaningful and impactful. Continue to be a force for good.

Madison, Wisconsin, the Nation and the World need philanthropy. PHILANTHROPY is the LOVE of humankind.