Women in Philanthropy: Empowering Change Through Giving

by | Sep 13, 2025 | Blog, Charity, Philanthropy | 0 comments

Photo from freepik

Philanthropy means giving to help others. It is not just for the very rich, as Susan A. Gitelson likes to say.

Many people give their time, money, and ideas to make the world a better place—and anyone can be a part of that push.

Women in philanthropy have played a significant role in this effort.

By being the leaders of causes they care deeply about, they help people in need and work for social good. Their contributions and presence help promote gender equality and improve community conditions both locally and globally.

A woman high-fiving a young girl.
More women in philanthropy empowers everyone.

Photo by DC Studio

The Growing Role of Women in Philanthropy

Women have always been involved in giving.

But today, their power is more potent than ever. Many women now have their own money to give, compared to the days when it was only the husband who could open a bank account. Now they decide where it goes, according to their goals of bettering the world. They choose causes that are important to them and to the broader community. Women donate to groups that support fellow women and children. They support education, health, and human rights.

Women in philanthropy are changing the world one donation at a time.

Why Women Give

Women give for many reasons. Some of them want to help others because they have benefited from help themselves. Others want to make sure that everyone has a fair chance in life.

Many women give to support gender equality. Many of them believe that women and girls should have the same opportunities as men and boys, and as such, they contribute to creating social good. They want to see a better world for future generations.

Prominent Female Philanthropists

Many women are known for their generous giving. They use their wealth to support important causes. Here are a few examples of female philanthropists who have made and are still making a significant impact on the world.

  • Melinda Gates is one of the most famous women in philanthropy. She and her husband started the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This foundation works to improve health and reduce poverty around the world. Melinda focuses on helping women and girls. She believes that when women are healthy and educated, they can change their communities for the better.
  • Oprah Winfrey is another well-known female philanthropist. She has given millions of dollars to support education. She has built schools in other countries. She also helps young people in the United States get a good education. Oprah believes that education is the key to a better life. She uses her fame and fortune to help others.
  • MacKenzie Scott is a newer name in philanthropy. She has given away billions of dollars in recent years. She supports many causes, including racial equality and gender equality. She gives to groups that help people in need. MacKenzie does not always say publicly where she provides. But her donations have helped many organizations do their work.

These women are just a few examples, and there are many other female philanthropists out there making a difference in the world.

They may not be as famous, but their giving is just as important.

The Impact of Women’s Giving

The contributions made by women have had a significant impact on the world. Women’s patronage has helped to fund essential programs and support vital research into diseases (remember Dolly Parton’s contributions to vaccine research?) Women’s philanthropic efforts have provided scholarships for millions of students across the globe. Their patronage of NGOs has built shelters for countless people who are homeless, helped to protect the environment, and promoted gender equality.

When women give to other women, they help them become leaders. They help them start businesses. They help them get an education.

This creates a cycle of giving that benefits everyone.

Women in philanthropy are also role models. They show others that giving is essential and not just something that boys can do. They inspire more people to give.

Women prove that you don’t have to be very rich to make a difference.

Even small donations can help.

Every dollar counts.

Every hour volunteered matters.

Women are leading by example.

How to Get Involved in Philanthropy

You don’t have to be rich to be a philanthropist. Anyone can give. And anyone should give. You can start by providing a small amount of money to a cause you care about. Giving your time is also good—volunteer at a local school or food bank. You can donate clothes or food to those in need. Every little bit helps.

If you want to give money, do some research first. Make sure the group you are giving to is honest and practical. Some websites can help you check out charities. They show how much of the money goes to the cause and how much goes to overhead. This helps ensure your donation is used effectively.

You can also join a giving circle. This is a great way to give with others. You can learn from them and make a bigger impact together. Many communities have giving circles for women. They welcome new members.

A female volunteer at peace.
More women in philanthropy empowers everyone.

Photo by krakenimages.com

GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH!

Gitelson’s book powerfully demystifies philanthropy by declaring proudly and loudly that meaningful giving is not the exclusive domain of the ultra-wealthy. It teaches readers, regardless of sex and gender, that philanthropy is an accessible and deeply personal act, open to anyone with time, ideas, or resources, no matter how modest.

Through a wealth of examples—from billionaires to everyday volunteers—the book illustrates that impact is measured not by the size of the donation, but by the passion, strategy, and commitment behind it.

This helpful guide from one of the most charitable people out there provides a practical roadmap for effective philanthropy, encouraging readers on how to reflect on their values, research causes, and evaluate organizations to ensure their contributions make a real difference.

GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH covers a broad spectrum of avenues for giving, including education, health, arts, religion, and international aid, emphasizing that everyone can find a cause that resonates personally.

The book inspires a proactive mindset: philanthropy is a deliberate, joyful, and impactful practice that strengthens communities and transforms lives—including your own.

GET A COPY NOW FROM THE HYPERLINK ABOVE!

Read More

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Skip to content