A Brief Introduction to Women and Philanthropy

Abstract

In the past thirty years women’s philanthropy has emerged as a distinct movement using innovative and creative ideas to improve local, national and global communities. Women are engaged in philanthropy from many perspectives – as donors, as professionals, as fundraisers, as nonprofit leaders – in both formal and informal networks. This glossary identifies the kaleidoscope of approaches - audiences, methods, process, and purpose – and celebrates the characteristic common to all approaches within the women’s philanthropic movement – many women working across the globe to improve the lives of others and to make a difference in their communities.