In honor of Women's History Month, GuideStar looks at women's relationships with philanthropy Women approach charitable giving differently from men. Then again, maybe they don't. Women give to education, women-related groups, and the arts. No, it's men who give more to the arts and humanities.
Women give to education, medicine, and science.
Examining the state of women's philanthropy leads one to contradictory conclusions. In November 1999, the National Foundation for Women Business Owners released the results of a survey on the charitable practices of almost 400 prominent American businesswomen. More than half also volunteer. More than half wish to feel an emotional connection to the charities they support, and most of the participants want the organization to keep them informed about its activities. Kay Sprinkel Grace, a San Francisco consultant to nonprofit groups, agrees that issues are important to female donors.