Selected privileged women have been great philanthropists throughout the history of our country. More women give to nonprofits today than men because in the last two decades new areas of giving have been developed through women's funds. Secondly, more women give to nonprofits today than men because women are beginning to control their own wealth. Thirdly, more women give to nonprofits today than men because of an important change in the U.S. tax law, which was enacted in 1986. Called the unlimited marital deduction, it permits a husband at his death to convey all his wealth to his wife free of any estate tax.
Women organize and volunteer time, but men simply write a check.
Women give less to nonprofits than men because generally women feel less secure about their future. Frequently women do not understand their financial position and for that reason are afraid to give. Giving was, and often still is, considered to be a man's domain. The classic example is the rich widow who gives millions to her husband's alma mater and nothing to her own. Women give less to nonprofits than men because they have had much lower incomes than men.