PARSA CF University: Women and Philanthropy
Women have always been philanthropists, dedicating much of their lives to the care and service of others. They have also been big givers - the Museum of Modern Art in New York was co-founded by Lizzie Palmer Bliss. Sophia Smith created Smith College in 1871; her legacy is still developing leaders and change makers to this day.
We have come a long way since philanthropy was one of the only socially acceptable ways for women to engage in public life. Historically, philanthropy has played an important role in integrating women into the public sphere –women's charities provided a stepping stone for women into public administration, public policy-making, and non-profit business development. Now that women increasingly earn their own incomes and are financially independent, they are also are becoming bigger and bigger givers.
According to a November 2009 New York Times article on women in philanthropy, there are more women controlling more wealth in the U.S. than ever before. Recent IRS data shows that of the country’s wealthiest individuals (with assets of $1.5 million or more), 43 percent are female. According to the article they give at all levels — from small donor circles to multimillion-dollar foundations. And different from men, they are more collaborative with each other and more supportive toward the needy.
“Iranian women have proved themselves in education and gaining of equal rights. Highlighting the efforts of Iranian women philanthropists and volunteers will no doubt inspire future leadership in these areas as well”, says Lily Sarafan, PARSA CF Board Member.
To learn more about women in philanthropy, visit the following links:
The Women Donors Network is a philanthropic social community for women.
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute is a preeminent center for the study of women’s philanthropy.
http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/womensphilanthropyinstitute
Women’s Funding Network is a global network with over 150 organizations that fund women’s solutions.
http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org
A recent Forbes article about women taking the lead in philanthropy.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/18/brill-women-philanthropy-intelligent-investing-wealth.html