As we reflect on the strides made in philanthropy in 2023, it's clear that women are at the forefront of leading positive change. Recent giving reports highlight the impactful contributions of modern female philanthropists, echoing the point: women win when comes to giving.
Melinda French Gates, a trailblazer in the field, has donated over USD 39 billion through The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. MacKenzie Scott, not to be outdone, gave away an astounding USD 2.1 billion in 2023 alone. While Melanie Perkins, Co-founder of Canva, exemplifies how philanthropy can seamlessly integrate into business models, committing her company’s earnings to various charities.
Pop icons Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé Knowles have likewise leveraged their fame and fortune to effect change. Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation and other initiatives contribute significantly to education and emergency relief. Taylor Swift, despite occasional criticism for less publicised endeavours, including a USD 1 million donation to Louisiana flood victims, remains committed to making a difference.
Recent data underscores the trend that women tend to give more, with women in the wider wealthy population giving roughly twice as much as men. Similarly, research from Women's Philanthropy Institute, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found women in the top quarter of permanent income gave 156% more to charity than their male peers.
But it’s not just about who and how much- it’s also about where and how. Beyond the numbers, it's crucial to acknowledge how women are changing the landscape of philanthropy. MacKenzie Scott’s trust-based approach to giving reminds us of the power of humility, reflecting a certain degree of humility, while Melanie Perkins shows us how, with a woman at the helm, corporate success can be paired with global good. Though these contributions aren’t necessarily new, it is undoubtedly true that, with accelerating speed, women are reshaping the face of philanthropy.
Last year, our Managing Director, Jo Shropshire, explored this transformative trend in her insightful article, "Man! Give Like A Woman." Her deep dive into how women are influencing philanthropy remains as prescient as ever. Join the conversation and read Jo’s article to explore this topic further.
Comments