Celebrating Women In Philanthropy

Supported by {g}grants from Jungle Lasers

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated March 8, 1911, and in 1987, Congress declared the month of March as National Women’s History Month. These observances encourage individuals to reflect on the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women, take collective action to support female equality efforts, and become more gender inclusive.

Women are an undeniable force when it comes to giving.

While women are still pushing for complete equality, they outshine their male counterparts in philanthropy, specifically in charitable giving. Women are more likely to donate, more likely to volunteer, and more likely to follow-up with the impact of their donations according to a 2010 research study performed by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute.

A 2014 survey of foundations found that over half of the foundations surveyed had women CEOs. It was also proven that women have had more success in claiming top leadership roles within the foundation world than any other U.S. sector. This study also determined that among grantmakers with $1 billion or more in assets, women accounted for 28 percent of CEOs.

Jungle Lasers has the pleasure of working with two amazing foundations that are operated and staffed completely by women that support diverse causes. In honor of International Women’s Day , we would like to take the opportunity to highlight the achievements of Greenville Women Giving and the Hille Foundation who are making strides in driving gender parity.

Diane Perlmutter and Emelia Stephenson, Co-chairs of Greenville Women Giving and Maggie Hille Yar, Executive Director and Trustee of Hille Foundation offered us insight on what it means to be female philanthropic leaders and the philanthropic direction of their organizations.

Asked & Answered

Q: Have you experienced any challenges in philanthropy that are specific to women?

A: “While Philanthropy is overwhelmingly dominated by women, we face similar challenges as do other fields. Women are paid less, listened to less, and respected less than our male colleagues.” Hille Foundation Executive Director/ Trustee, Maggie Hille Yar; 21 years experience in philanthropy

Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of leading/ working with an all- female foundation?

A: “We share similar goals, styles of working, lack of egos, and an all-around inclusive, encouraging working atmosphere.” Hille Foundation Executive Director/ Trustee, Maggie Hille Yar; 21 years experience in philanthropy

Q: How can more women make a bigger difference with their donations?

A: “Don’t just write a check. Work with your nonprofits on shared goals and intentions. Be involved and expect to see results.” Hille Foundation Executive Director/ Trustee, Maggie Hille Yar; 21 years experience in philanthropy

Q: In your experience, do you feel that women are underrepresented in nonprofit leadership roles?

A: “My personal experience is quite the opposite. Through my attendance and participation in regional  and national meetings, I see hundreds of engaged, powerful, and active women philanthropists.” Greenville Women Giving Co-chair, Emelia Stephenson; 11 years experience in philanthropy

Q: Any advice for other women in philanthropy or for women interested in becoming more philanthropic?

A: “I believe that you are never too young to become engaged with organizations whose missions you support. I have had the privilege of addressing both college students and young working women about the importance of becoming involved in their community through involvement with local non-profit organizations by volunteering or donating. I stress the importance of supporting a cause about which you are passionate and realizing that no gift or time commitment is too small. Ultimately, you will not only help the organization but have the opportunity to grow as an individual.” Greenville Women Giving Co-chair, Diane Perlmutter; more than 30 years experience in philanthropy

In Conclusion

Both Greenville Women Giving and Hille Foundation support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in their geographic regions that award grants to diverse causes. We are proud to work with them as technology providers easing their grant management processes. If you would like to learn more about these organizations, please visit their websites by following the links provided.

If you are interested in getting your family, friends, and colleagues involved in the globally supported activities of International Women’s Day we encourage you to take a look at this checklist from the official International Women’s Day website and follow #PressforProgress for the latest news and trends associated with the cause.

Sources:
https://www.greenvillewomengiving.org/
http://www.hillefoundation.org/
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/11712/How-to-plan-IWD
https://twitter.com/womensday
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/handle/1805/6337

 

Subscribe to our blog by providing your information in the spaces below!