In recent years, the landscape of philanthropy has been undergoing a significant transformation, driven in part by the increasing involvement of women philanthropists. Whether wealth creators, inheritors or some combination of both, the unique skills, contributions and perspectives women bring to philanthropic endeavors are being noted by nonprofits, fellow philanthropists and the industry at large.

Shifting capital to women with the Great Wealth Transfer

The so-called “Great Wealth Transfer” will undoubtedly reshape and resize the world of philanthropy. According to estimates, over $84 trillion is expected to be transferred by 2045, with women set to inherit greater than 50% of this wealth – from both parents and their spouses – thanks in large part to women’s longer life expectancy.¹ This shift in control of the world’s capital is not only empowering women financially, but also enabling them to redefine how they want to use that capital. For many women, that means game-changing investments in philanthropy.

As women create, inherit or manage more significant assets, they are increasingly taking on leadership roles in philanthropic initiatives, running foundations, leading giving circles, driving new impact investment opportunities and overseeing nonprofit organizations.² This transition is fostering an evolution in giving, as women bring their unique talents, perspectives and skills to the table.

An emphasis on collaboration and connections

One of the defining characteristics of women-led philanthropy is the emphasis on collaboration and building connections. Research also indicates that women are more likely than men to prioritize social impact and community engagement in their philanthropic endeavors.³

For example, one client I work with is a former Silicon Valley technology executive. Her extraordinary professional network, combined with her decades of marketing expertise, is now being leveraged to benefit her favorite African charities. The Kenyan nonprofit leaders she has partnered with surely appreciate her donations, but more so, they appreciate her introductions, expertise and world-class mentoring. Her inclination to help African animals stems from a deep-seated desire to create meaningful change in ways that appeal to her and her family, and to create a legacy that reflects the values she and her husband drafted together.

Moreover, women tend to engage in collaborative philanthropy, working alongside other donors, organizations and stakeholders to maximize their impact.⁴ Having led a donor-advised fund previously, where I worked with hundreds of male and female clients and nonprofits, I’ve seen how women naturally gravitate toward sharing and mentoring others to spread knowledge gained and increase the overall effectiveness of a given program or project. This open-source model of thinking creates a multiplier effect that not only ensures we share learnings (and failings), but also serves to exponentially amplify the effectiveness of grants.

What’s happening now with women and philanthropy

Across a number of different studies in recent decades, research is consistent: Single women are more likely than single men to give to charity, and in higher amounts.⁵ Even while the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted women, they exhibited resiliency and generosity, increasing giving to secular causes during the pandemic.⁶

In terms of leadership in philanthropy, women are taking on prominent roles in nonprofit organizations and foundations. A recent study by the Council on Foundations found that 61% of foundation CEOs identified as women, highlighting their growing influence in shaping philanthropic strategies and priorities.⁷

Recurring areas of giving for women

Women philanthropists often focus on issues that resonate with their personal experiences and the values system they’ve forged in their communities as friends, sisters, mothers and daughters. These issues include education, health care, maternal well-being, entrepreneurialism, equity and social justice.⁸

Education is a recurring theme (as it is for many men, too), as women recognize the transformative power of education on future generations. Health care is another area where women philanthropists are making a significant impact. Notable stories abound of leading female philanthropists and charitable women like Melinda French Gates, Mackenzie Scott and Laurene Powell Jobs. Lesser known are initiatives like the one recently announced by 93-year-old Ruth Gottesman, widow of a Wall Street financier, who gave $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. Gottesman’s support will ensure tuition is covered for all future students, addressing both health care and educational inequalities.

We can help: How you can get involved

The Great Wealth Transfer is serving as a catalyst for women's greater involvement in philanthropy, allowing them to shape the future of charitable giving in sometimes new and profound ways.

Here are some ways you can join this movement:

• Take our philanthropy self-assessment
• Document your values and align your philanthropic mission
• Move from reactive to strategic grant-making
• Share with your peers

Connect with your J.P. Morgan advisor to start the conversation.