by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin The Modern Jewish Woman Donor (MJWD) appears to be reshaping the face of Jewish philanthropy, especially as we found in recent conversations with several prominent Jewish women philanthropic leaders. Interviews, together with tangible results, support findings from various studies showing that women approach giving and nonprofit priorities in more focused and strategic ways than men, they often become very involved with the organizations they support, and increasingly they expect to partner with their funding recipients. While talking with four women does not suggest major decision-making differences are afoot, we do urge non-profit organizations, as they develop their 2012 fundraising strategies, to reflect an understanding of the distinct motivators, … Continue Reading
Women Drive Philanthropic Decisions in Wealthy Households
Women in networks are more loyal to philanthropic causes, more educated and informed about philanthropic choices, and more trusting of nonprofits than others. In nearly 90 percent of high net worth households, women are either the sole decision maker or an equal partner in decisions about charitable giving, according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2011 Study of High Net Worth Women's Philanthropy and The Impact of Women's Giving Networks, released today. The power and influence of women in philanthropy may mean that some charitable organizations will need to adapt their messaging and strategies to appeal to women's distinct charitable giving behaviors and motivations. Key findings of the study include: Women spend more time than men on due diligence before making decisions about giving … Continue Reading
Causes Women Support
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has released their second report, Causes Women Support. Using the same data set, methodology, and analysis as previously, the report examines the differences between men and women’s giving by charitable area. According to the study introduction: The prevailing perception of women’s giving is that women are more likely to give, but they give smaller amounts than men. Research in this area offers some support for this belief. Men and women do exhibit different charity choices and patterns of donating money. Males tend to concentrate their giving among a few charities, whereas females are more likely to spread the amounts they give across a wide range of charities (e.g., Andreoni, Brown, & Rischall, … Continue Reading
Six Key Trends Transforming Jewish Philanthropy
by Lisa Eisen Just over a year ago, in the wake of severe economic dislocation affecting donors and nonprofits alike, I wrote an article in Philanthropy News Digest exploring how philanthropists and foundations can give effectively in challenging times. Today, with the benefit of hindsight and a slowly rebounding economy, it is clear that while the financial crisis had a painful impact on giving, it did not provoke an abrupt reversal of course. Rather, it accelerated tectonic shifts already well under way in philanthropy. The Jewish philanthropic environment was and is no exception. As we begin to emerge from the dark days of 2008 and 2009 amidst predictions that foundation giving is poised for modest growth in 2011, several trends are having a transformative effect on Jewish philanthropy. … Continue Reading
Women and Money: a Few Thoughts on How We Give It, Ask for It, Earn It, Spend It
by Susan Weidman Schneider In the touristy areas of the French Quarter, which was relatively unscathed by Katrina, New Orleans streets are full of buskers. By the dozens, these street performers enact all kinds of feats: lumber balancing, group singing, break dancing, rapping; at least this was the assortment I took in when I was there a few months ago. One act was particularly stunning. Two men in eye-catching silver costumes, their bodies sprayed silver to match, stood on a makeshift platform miming to music and moving in perfect synchronicity, human simulacra of robots. Mesmerized and appreciative, I watched them, but realized that in my wallet I had nothing smaller than a $20 bill. I reached into my pocket for a generous handful of coins and approached their silvered bucket. One of the … Continue Reading
Chicago Symposium Focuses on Women’s Philanthropy
International philanthropy is a hot topic today. At Women World Wide Leading through Philanthropy, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s 22nd annual symposium, they will explore one facet of this growing field - the role of gender in giving, volunteering, and leading through philanthropy worldwide. Does gender matter in philanthropy around the world? How do women create a place at the philanthropic table in a “macho” culture? How does gender affect family philanthropy worldwide? What models of charitable organizations do women favor? Are there gender differences in giving? For more information, and to register for this March 10-11th event, check the symposium website. … Continue Reading
Woman Philanthropist Looks to Fund Solutions
from The Wall Street Journal: Activist Pushes Social Change in Developing World Barbara Dobkin isn't looking to help individuals in need. Instead, the donor activist, with help from her husband Eric, a former Goldman Sachs partner, is looking to push through lasting social change via the New York-based American Jewish World Service organization. For the second year in a row, the couple is giving a $250,000 matching gift to support the charity's programs in women's empowerment and service in the developing world, enabling the group to raise $1 million for the programs. The gift comes on the heels of $1 million Ms. Dobkin gave through Women Moving Millions, a campaign she helped launch. Last year, the campaign raised $180 million from donors who gave $1 million or more. … Continue Reading
UJA-Federation New York Neshamot Fund Accepting Letters of Inquiry
UJA-Federation of New York’s Neshamot Fund is now accepting Letters of Inquiry to support: innovative programs that promote economic security for disadvantaged Jewish women in the metropolitan New York area; existing programs that promote Jewish continuity for teens ninth through 12th grades or young adults 18 to 28 in the New York metropolitan area and Israel. Eligible organizations may apply for a one-year grant, which is potentially renewable for a maximum of three years. For guidelines and application, please contact Eileen Oleet at 1.914.761.5100 ext. 123 or at oleete@ujafedny.org. The Neshamot Fund is a Women's Venture Philanthropy group based in Westchester County that has given grants totaling more than $1.3 million in the areas of Jewish women and children at risk and Jewish … Continue Reading
Bringing Women Into the Fundraising, Grant-Making Folds
by Elana Maryles Sztokman A recent article about evolving trends in Jewish philanthropy offered a fleeting yet stinging portrait of women and money in the Jewish community. An article entitled, “For the Perplexed: A Guide to Jewish Giving” in a recent issue of The Jewish Week opened with the following: A middle-aged professional in the Jewish communal world, Ari H. deals with a dilemma of Jewish life…. Collectors for various Jewish charities, domestic and from Israel, show up at his synagogue on a regular basis. Sometimes men - it’s always men, usually bearded men - show up at his door, driven around the area from Jewish house to Jewish house by a hired driver who has a chart of donors that is the Jewish equivalent of “a map of stars in Hollywood.” I would like to focus on the … Continue Reading
Women Give More to Charity than Men
Women at virtually every income level are more likely to give to charity and to give more money on average than their male counterparts, after controlling for education, income and other factors that influence giving, new research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds. “Looking at giving across five different income groups, which range roughly from $23,000 to $100,000 a year, it is clear that it is not only wealthy women who give,” said Debra J. Mesch, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. “Women across nearly every income category give significantly more than their male counterparts - in many cases, nearly twice as much.” Women Give 2010 is the first report to compare philanthropic giving between men and … Continue Reading
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