Celebrating Women Philanthropy

21 Women. 19 Days. My work here is done.

19 days ago, I honored and celebrated women philanthropists in honor of Women's History Month. As a fundraiser and philanthropist, it seemed fitting I should recognize some of my heroes in giving. Some of the people I highlighted, I already knew. Others I discovered through research.

Every day I read stories about several women doing great work in the world, particularly as it relates to people of color and those in the LGTBQ+ community. Each finding their calling in philanthropy work at different points in life. Some found it early while engaged in community work as youth. Others learned it later in life as college students or adults running a corporation or business.

The one thing they did have in common was an unyielding belief that acts of philanthropy in all its forms, money, time, and talent, can truly change things. Whether they did it alone or with a group of women, they recognized action backed by funding could move mountains.

Reading and sharing their stories solidified my beliefs about how change happens. As a person who is entering her 26th year as a professional fundraiser, I know for sure that when people pull their resources together to address an issue over some time, usually 10 or more years of progressive effort, the most stubborn of problems can be solved. This brings me to why I am wrapping up this series of articles.

In studying these 21 women, I recognized three things:

1) Women of color are often overlooked as philanthropists. We are seen as recipients of charity. This is a mistake. ?Black people give. And we give the highest percentage of our income to charity or philanthropy at about $11 billion dollars per year.

2) Organizations led by women of color that operate on behalf of people of color receive significantly less funding. On average, it is about 24% less than majority leaders.

3) There are not enough people of color in senior leadership positions. In several surveys, time and again, women of color are denied access to the C-Suite. Despite the numerous reports that show diversity in leadership leads to greater and better program results, women of color are still locked out.

These three things have moved me to think about how I can be a part of changing this narrative. I have not fully fleshed out a plan, but I do know publishing a weekly newsletter focused on these three things will be a part of it. Raising awareness and pointing to resources to address a problem is always a good start.

I am not sure if I will publish it here or on another platform. Whatever I do, I will let you know.

As for this daily newsletter, 21 is a good number to end on. I could go the whole month but I have decided I would rather start working on a new ongoing newsletter right away. Besides, 21 is considered a number meaning completion. Thus, a fitting way to wrap up. Feel free to go back and read any stories you missed.

Reference: Washington Post December 2020, NBC December 2020, AFP February 2019