Indiana University Report Examines Women’s Philanthropy in the Twenty-First Century

The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has recently released a new report, Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends. 

Using data from the Philanthropy Panel Study, the report analyzes how men and women’s charitable giving has evolved over the past two decades. Since 2000, there has been a decline in philanthropy among both men and women, but giving decreased later and was less pronounced among single women compared to single men.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, single women’s giving participation declined, but their average giving amounts increased. They were also more likely than single men to donate to secular causes. However, single women who lost earnings as a result of the pandemic were less likely to donate to charity than single men or married couples.

In order to increase women’s philanthropic participation, the report authors offer several strategies for nonprofits to re-engage with women donors. These include creating opportunities for meaningful involvement and recognizing nontraditional forms of giving, such as mutual aid and direct support to individuals.

“This study reaffirms the critical role of women in philanthropy, over the long term and during times of crisis,” the authors conclude. “The changing dynamics of philanthropy and the household call for an ongoing commitment to exploring how gender shapes generosity and how research insights can be used to create a more vibrant and resilient philanthropic landscape.”