Celebrating Women’s History Month With a Look at Women’s Philanthropy

March is the celebration of Women’s History Month and the theme this year is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations".  Doing this through philanthropy is one way to meet this goal.  Women have long played a pivotal role in philanthropy, and collective giving groups exemplify this influence. 

According to the Johnson Center Report entitled “In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.”, 84% of collective giving groups report that more than half of their membership consists of women, with 60% composed entirely of women. 

As we are aware, for many women in collective giving circles, their participation goes beyond charitable giving—it is about sisterhood and shared values. According to the report, nearly half (43%) of collective giving group leaders identify their organization’s core identity as rooted in womanhood. Women in these groups contribute financially, serve on boards, volunteer, and advocate for the nonprofits they support. These spaces offer a platform for leadership development, enabling women to expand their roles in philanthropy while transforming the broader landscape of giving.

Collective giving was first recognized as a women’s philanthropy movement in the early 2000s, and its influence has only grown since then. Women’s foundations and funds have been described as “change agents” due to their community-oriented focus and emphasis on outcomes. Their giving extends beyond financial contributions; it fosters education, confidence, and deeper involvement in philanthropy. 

As collective giving continues gaining momentum, its influence shapes the broader philanthropic landscape. Women-led groups are increasingly adopting trust-based philanthropy, emphasizing long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations and reducing barriers to funding. These groups provide critical financial support to communities and create networks of empowerment and solidarity among women. By fostering leadership skills and promoting shared philanthropic goals, collective giving groups are reshaping how philanthropy operates, ensuring that women’s voices remain at the forefront of impactful change.

Through collective giving, women are not just donors—they are leaders, advocates, and architects of a philanthropic movement that prioritizes community, inclusivity, and long-lasting impact.