You Should Know About the Impact of Women on Philanthropy By Kay Sprinkel Grace Ed. A collection of Kay Grace's Ten Things columns a total of 20 columns in all is now available. Click here for a review and to order.
Women comprise more than half the population in America.
Until the latter part of the 20th Century, however, their most vigorous participation in philanthropy was as volunteers. When they weighed in with large gifts, it was usually with wealth inherited from their husbands or fathers. Independent wealth, although it existed, was not recognized nor were deliberate strategies for engaging women donor-investors developed. As more women become donor-investors and board members in their own right, they are contributing significant insights and opportunities to the entire field of philanthropy. They draw from the UCLA Women and Philanthropy study conducted in the early 90s.