When my dear friend and creator of this inspiring website asked if I would write a piece on the subject of Women & Philanthropy, I was honored and flattered. But, truth be told, I was also terrified.
For the last four decades, I’ve had the wonderful good fortune to work as a philanthropic advisor to hundreds of nonprofit organizations in both the Bay Area and on the East Coast. Through my work, I am a strategist, a problem solver, a coach, a teacher, a facilitator and a mediator. One thing I have never considered myself to be is a writer. But when LeeAnn Monfredini asks, the only acceptable answer is a resounding “yes!” So, here goes.
While we all know the names of Carnegie, Rockefeller, Morgan and – closer to home – those of Gates, Benioff and Zuckerberg, it’s important to note that women have been the heart and soul of philanthropy in our country for more than 250 years. We just don’t know much about them or their contributions. Why? Well, for one thing, women as a general rule tend to give with far less fanfare and noise.
In the 20th and 21st Centuries, women have expanded their influence by supporting equal rights and employment for women, aggressive drunk driving laws, breast cancer research, economic development and leadership opportunities for women. Consider the impact of such organizations as MADD, the Ms. Foundation Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Emily’s List, The Women’s Donor Network, Women Moving Millions and unique women’s giving circles, such as Impact100 Sonoma.
When it comes to women and philanthropy, the most striking thing to me is how women are “all in” when they care deeply about an issue. When women decide to get involved, they not only give their “treasure,” but are also generous with their time and their talent. They are decisive leaders, risk takers and innovators. Women lead by getting their friends and families involved.
Yet, too often, the quiet power of women is overlooked. Again and again, men are afforded the lion’s share of the credit for big gifts or initiatives actually masterminded by their wives or daughters. Meanwhile, some of the most influential networkers in philanthropy operate well outside the limelight.
While most of us may know the names of Melinda Gates, Meg Whitman and Priscilla Chan, have you heard of Rose Broom, the founder of HandUp? How about Susan Desmond-Hellman, the CEO of the Gates Foundation? And let’s not forget the hard work and generous contributions of the women in our families, our friends and our colleagues.
So I ask you: What issues are you passionate about? What problem do you want to help solve? What brings you joy? What inspires you? What organization has changed – or saved – your life?
Not sure where to begin? Use the Internet to learn more about the issues, causes and life events that are important to you. Try making a list of the organizations that answer the questions above. Make a budget for your charitable giving. And then get started.
Many organizations have an online giving option (so you can use your credit card and get miles for that trip you’re planning). The old-fashioned way still works too: Get out your checkbook and mail one. If you’re looking to pool your resources with other women, you could start with your friends and family or you can join a women’s giving circle like the one a friend and I started in 2009: Impact100 Sonoma.
Whatever you do, go all in. Give your time and your talent as well as your treasure. And give a little more than you may have planned. The returns are often immeasurable.
Christine Dohrmann is the Founder and Principal of Dohrmann & Associates in San Francisco. Founded in 1981, Dohrmann & Associates works with community-based groups and highly complex national organizations as philanthropic consultants and advisors. Their mission is to help nonprofit organizations and their donors create a sustainable impact through the power of collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and the building of consensus. She can be reached via www.dohrmannandassociates.com.
Great article, Christine! I agree with others who’ve observed that, despite your modesty, you are indeed a writer and a very good one! You’ve given us historical insights as well as contemporary. You are a perfect example yourself of one who has always been “all in” about philanthropy. When Julie Abrams, Wendy Coblentz and I were thinking of starting a women’s giving ciricle, YOU were the one who we each turned to, who inspired us and led us to each other and along the proper paths. I know I’m not alone in my gratitude to know one as consistently kind, generous and inspiring as Christine. Brava!
This is a fabulous article. Thank you Christine, you have always inspired me.
Thanks Cathy for the wonderfully kind words!
their families). I feel that women (myself included) try to give as much as they can to those causes that are near and dear to them. I am happy to share this article with my friends. Thanks to my dear friend Lee Ann for persuading you to write such a meaningful piece!
Thanks Tanir for your feedback.
As always, Christine, you are insightful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing this- and introducing me to “new” or rather unknown women engaged in philanthropy!
Right back at ‘ya Eunice! See you next week.
Christine: A lovely article and very inspiring. As one who has known you all those 4 decades, I know first hand how you have helped so many women (and men!) learn about giving!
PJ – thank you for such kind words……you too are an inspiration to many!
Chris. I love your article. Wow. Very well written. I always felt that women were an important part in philanthropy but I didn’t know HOW important. Very interesting.
What a well written and revealing article about women in philanthropy.
Makes me proud to be a colleague and a friend of yours.
Wonderful, especially since you think you are not a writer. I believe you are!! Thanks for the information. It is inspiring!!