by Patrick M. Rooney, Ph. D. If I had a crystal ball, I’d say women’s philanthropy is likely to be one of the prevailing issues of the 21st century for the nonprofit sector. Despite greater awareness and the fact that the trajectory of women’s philanthropy is escalating exponentially, we haven’t reached the tipping point or begun to realize the benefits of women’s giving capacity, participation and leadership. The research unquestionably shows that women have the desire, drive and capacity to give, but society and nonprofit professional practice have yet to catch up. Women’s philanthropic clout is clear. Women are driving social change, and changing philanthropy in the process. They’re in a greater position to lead than ever before. Women’s education and income levels are … Continue Reading
Philanthropy’s Tipping Point
Filed under American Philanthropy, Events, In Case You Missed, The Blog, Women's Philanthropy
Jewish Feminist Philanthropist Receives Honor
Philanthropist and activist Barbara Dobkin of New York will receive the LEAD Award, one of the highest honors in philanthropy, in late April when two of the world’s leading philanthropy organizations, the Women’s Funding Network and the Council on Foundations, gather for their annual conferences in Denver, Colorado. The Leadership, Equity And Diversity Award is presented annually to a philanthropist recognized as an outstanding risk-taker and innovator in the philanthropic community who, through determination and leadership, has increased funding for programs that promote gender equity and diversity. Barbara Dobkin has been a funder, activist and leader in the social justice arena for more than 25 years. She served as founding chair of the Jewish Women’s Archive and Ma’yan, the Jewish … Continue Reading
Making Philanthropy Cool for Teens
How one Jewish leader is fighting materialism, and making the concept of philanthropy appealing to teen girls by Stefanie Zelkind We were a small group, six women in our late 20s and six teenaged girls. We weren't especially rich or powerful, and lacked experience in strategic philanthropic giving. What we had, though, was more important: we shared a commitment to giving tzedakah, we trusted in the power of our collective wisdom and experience, and we believed in our ability to effect social change. Our tzedakah collective, "No Small Change," met monthly from October 2000 through May 2001. Our goals were twofold: the "external" goal was for each group member to contribute to a shared grant-making pool ($10 per session for adults and $5 for girls) and then for us to make decisions as a … Continue Reading
My Complicated Relationship with Phil
One 20-something explains the ups and downs of her personal connection to Jewish philanthropy. by Ariella Lis There is this acquaintance in my life named Philanthropy. Let's call him "Phil" for short. People really like to talk to me about Phil. Lots of important Jews are worried that "my generation" will not give to Jewish causes. But, I ease their anxiety. I'm living proof that Jews in their twenties care a great deal about Jewish giving. Technically, I'm a grad student, but because of Phil, my calendar says very un-academic things like "end of grant cycle" and "conference call" and "funders meeting." These things sound important, but are very inconvenient when they occur over finals and midterms. Because of Phil, I get a lot of emails, I get invited to sit on boards, and I go to a lot of … Continue Reading
Dual Loyalities
How the field of Jewish women's philanthropy has divided into two categories by Deborah Skolnick Einhorn When asked what I study, I often simply answer "Jewish women's philanthropy." By far the most common response to my response is: "Oh, my grandmother was in Hadassah!" Eagerness to make the connection, between a grandmother's membership in the largest Jewish women's Zionist organization in history (Hadassah) and my own work, is a wonderful form of Jewish geography. But, as this essay describes, the field of Jewish women's philanthropy is both bigger and more nuanced than those cocktail party exchanges might reveal. To assess whether something qualifies as Jewish women's philanthropy, one could ask: "Are the funds donated by Jewish women for Jewish causes?" and/or "Are the funds donated by … Continue Reading
Jewish Women’s Philanthropy: The Big Picture
Many women love having the money to make change - and are busy figuring out how to give the most bang for their buck. by Joan Kaye Today's Jewish women philanthropists can almost all be characterized as venture philanthropists, a term coined in 1984 to describe people who address social issues by funding projects or organizations using some of the practices initially used by venture capitalists when funding new businesses. Venture philanthropists share the following characteristics: the need to make a difference, a commitment to sustainable funding, leveraging funds, strengthening institutions, and reciprocity or partnership with recipients. First and foremost, Jewish women philanthropists feel the need to make a difference in the world; they are passionate about using their wealth to … Continue Reading
Let’s Pay More Attention to Jewish Women as Donors!
Filed under American Philanthropy, Jewish Philanthropy, The Blog, Women's Philanthropy
by Robert I. Evans & Avrum D. Lapin “Jewish women give more, make decisions more emotionally, and are more consistent donors.” Clearly to many, women are making a significant impact in the Jewish philanthropic community as dedicated leaders, donors, volunteers, and advocates. In our recent interview with New York City leader and donor Susan Stern, we learned more about the growing role of women in Jewish philanthropy and the “hot buttons” for women donors. Her personal insights into the roles, expectations and goals of Jewish women involved with charitable causes made us more curious about how Jewish non-profits are reaching out to Jewish women. Is this demographic receiving the appropriate attention and being stewarded as we recognize woman as important donors? In our experience … Continue Reading
Jewish Women in Philanthropy: A Conversation with Susan Stern
by Robert I. Evans & Avrum D. Lapin “Your responsibility is to give back; make the world a better place.” Susan K. Stern Much of the most recent data tracking various “groups” of donors centers directly on women. In our professional dealings with donors and nonprofits, we know that some women donors might be more likely to fund programs designated specifically for the benefit of women. This pattern is largely a response to practices traced to the years when organizations historically were run entirely by men who were not especially sensitive to female motivations. So women donors today are making a point to speak out more loudly and are making demonstrable impact on decision-making processes . . . both in their individual households regarding charitable priorities and in … Continue Reading
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