Research tells us that women give more and give more often compared to their male counterparts. They often approach philanthropy as learners, eager to "do good better", while spreading their giving across more sectors of society.
Women's giving and community foundations
Within the community foundations network, we see many examples of women who openly say that they want to master the art of giving well, actively engaging in proactive giving practices. Thoughtful givers maximising the impact of their charitable donations through community foundations across New Zealand include:
Jann Medlicott established the annual Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards through Acorn Foundation
Joy Shivas recognised the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in driving progress in her hometown and supports female entrepreneur startups through the Christchurch Foundation
Merle Cooney, who has a deep love for education, established the BOOST child literacy project through Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.
Margaret Nixon, aware of the extreme inequities that face prisoners, has established a fund through Nikau Foundation to support positive reintegration of prisoners into the community.
Research into women’s giving
Women are more collaborative and exhibit higher trust approaches, which fosters empowerment to communities. Women don’t tend to approach philanthropy as if they have all the answers and they are less likely to apply rigid ‘business practices’ to the complex landscape of social change.
Additionally women gravitate towards more collaborative giving, they enjoy networking and favour more democratised forms of giving. This is evident in the growth of giving circles across New Zealand, which are almost exclusively led by women and consist primarily of female participants.
Women working for purpose
Women also give more of their time in volunteer roles, often choosing purpose-driven roles over higher salaries. In New Zealand, the charity sector is largely powered by women's passion and energy, with an impressive 80% of paid charity roles held by women. Women make up an even higher percentage of volunteers, in some organisations this figure is 100%! [1]
This vital work provides a societal safety net and addresses gaps left by government and market activity. Women's giving of time, talents, and treasures - known as the "three T's" - weaves communities together.
International Women's Day
This International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, carries the theme ‘Accelerate Action’. We think that’s a great catch cry for the proactive and collaborative principles of women’s giving. These principles play a crucial role in shaping our society, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting community wellbeing.
And, I can't help thinking right now, in this volatile and unjust world, these examples of women’s philanthropy and empowerment may be precisely what our planet needs.
Read more stories of women's giving through community foundations around New Zealand at CommunityFoundations.org.nz.
[1] Te Mana Tu o te Wahine: Women as Leaders in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Women in Leadership Aotearoa.