In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in philanthropy. Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in driving social change and addressing pressing global issues through their charitable endeavors. From advocating for education and healthcare to championing environmental sustainability and social justice, these trailblazing women have left an indelible mark on the world. Let’s take a closer look at five extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to making a difference through their nonprofit work.
1. Melinda Gates – Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda Gates, along with her husband Bill Gates, co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the world. Committed to improving global health, reducing poverty, and expanding educational opportunities, Melinda’s philanthropic efforts have touched millions of lives worldwide. Through initiatives such as the Global Health Program and the Global Development Program, the foundation works tirelessly to address pressing challenges and create positive change on a global scale.
2. Oprah Winfrey – Founder, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation Oprah Winfrey, a household name known for her influential talk show and media empire, is also a dedicated philanthropist. She founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, which supports the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. The academy provides education and leadership development opportunities to talented young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to become future leaders in their communities and beyond.
3. Malala Yousafzai – Co-Founder, Malala Fund Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, is a fierce advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights. After surviving a targeted attack by the Taliban in Pakistan for her advocacy, Malala co-founded the Malala Fund with her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai. The organization champions every girl’s right to 12 years of free, quality education through advocacy and funding programs around the world, particularly in regions where girls face barriers to education.
4. Michelle Obama – Founder, Girls Opportunity Alliance Former First Lady Michelle Obama is a passionate advocate for girls’ education and gender equality. Through the Girls Opportunity Alliance, an initiative of the Obama Foundation, Michelle works to empower adolescent girls around the world through education. The alliance provides support to grassroots organizations and leaders working to lift barriers to education for girls, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
5. Dr. Jane Goodall – Founder, Jane Goodall Institute Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist, is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. In addition to her scientific contributions, Dr. Goodall is a dedicated environmentalist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. The institute promotes conservation and environmental stewardship through community-based conservation projects, youth engagement programs, and wildlife protection initiatives.
Women play a significant role in financial planning and philanthropy, with notable statistics highlighting their impact:
– Women control 51% of the total wealth in the United States[2].
– 44% of women are the primary breadwinners for their families[2].
– Women earn the majority of college degrees, including 57% of bachelor’s degrees, 60% of master’s degrees, and 52% of doctoral degrees[2].
– Women often have less retirement savings than men and are more conservative investors[2].
– Only 46% of working women have participated in a retirement plan[2].
– Women are responsible for more than a third of all wealth in North America, totaling $35 trillion, a number expected to rise[4].
– Millennial women have shown increased interest in charitable giving, with half stating that the COVID-19 crisis made charitable giving a bigger priority in their lives[4].
– Men are more likely than women to engage in charitable activities such as impact investing and supporting business ventures without repayment expectations[4].
These statistics underscore the evolving landscape where women are increasingly taking charge of financial decisions, wealth management, and philanthropic endeavors.
Closing the Gap with The Charitable Payraise
While celebrating the remarkable achievements of these women in philanthropy, it’s essential to recognize the role that strategic giving can play in creating lasting impact. The Charitable Payraise offers a unique solution that empowers individuals, including women and men, to increase their charitable giving while positioning themselves for a better retirement. Together, we can harness the power of philanthropy to drive positive change and build a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Citations:
[1] https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/news-events/news/_news/2023/giving-to-womens-and-girls-organizations-represents-18-percent-of-charitable-giving-in-the-us.html
[2] https://www.wealthmanagement.com/high-net-worth/meeting-unique-financial-needs-women
[3] https://www.oecd.org/development/networks/Book-NetFWD_PolicyNoteOnGENDER_web.pdf
[4] https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/content/dam/fc-public/docs/insights/2021-women-and-giving.pdf
[5] https://www.theamericancollege.edu/about-the-college/strategic-priorities