How Advisors Can Help Women Grow Their Influence in Philanthropy

Unlocking the Power of Women’s Giving Through Strategic Guidance, Visibility, and Meaningful Engagement

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Growing Influence in Philanthropy

Women are increasingly shaping the future of philanthropy. As they achieve greater financial independence and career success, their capacity to contribute meaningfully to charitable causes continues to rise. In addition, women are poised to control a significant portion of inherited wealth, often becoming the primary decision-makers in family philanthropy. These trends mark an extraordinary opportunity for women to amplify their influence across the philanthropic sector.

Yet despite their growing role, women philanthropists still face unique challenges: lack of recognition, limited visibility, and scarce mentorship opportunities. Many are also not fully engaged in conversations around estate planning and charitable giving—conversations that could unlock even greater impact.

Financial advisors can play a pivotal role in addressing these barriers and empowering women to make lasting change through philanthropy.

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Unique Approaches to Giving

Women’s approach to philanthropy is distinct, thoughtful, and deeply relationship-driven. Their giving patterns reveal several consistent themes:

• Collaborative Giving: Women often prefer collective efforts, participating in giving circles and partnerships that amplify their impact.
• Focus on Relationships: Rather than transactional giving, women emphasize deep relationships with organizations and communities, fostering a better understanding of needs and issues.
• Long-Term Commitment: Women philanthropists tend to make sustained commitments, aiming for sustainable, systemic impact rather than one-time donations.

These approaches highlight the powerful and transformative role women play in philanthropy—and the need for advisors to tailor strategies that align with these values.

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Creating Win-Wins: Charitable Gifting Vehicles

By introducing women to strategic charitable gifting vehicles, advisors can create win-win-win opportunities—for clients, advisors, and charities alike. Some of the most effective options include:

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Immediate tax deductions with flexibility in grant-making and anonymity options.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Ongoing income for the donor with the remainder gifted to charity, offering both income and tax advantages.
• Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): Support for charities upfront while eventually transferring assets to heirs at reduced tax costs.
• Private Foundations: Full control over philanthropic activities, including the ability to involve family members and foster a lasting legacy.
• Charitable Gift Annuities: A fixed income stream for life with the balance gifted to charity, providing both security and impact.

Each vehicle offers unique features that can be customized to align with women’s personal, financial, and philanthropic goals.

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The Solution: How Advisors Can Empower Women Philanthropists

Financial advisors have an essential role to play in helping women realize their full philanthropic potential:

• Engage Women Early: Include women in estate planning and philanthropy discussions from the outset.
• Promote Recognition: Celebrate and highlight women’s contributions to encourage wider participation and inspire others.
• Build Networks and Mentorship: Facilitate opportunities for emerging women philanthropists to learn from experienced ones.
• Educate on Strategic Giving: Guide women on how to plan for sustainable, measurable impact, creating a legacy of meaningful change.

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Key Questions Advisors Should Ask Women Clients

To engage meaningfully, advisors should open conversations around:

Philanthropic Goals and Interests

• What causes inspire you?
• What impact do you hope to create?

Giving Preferences

• Do you prefer collaborative giving models?
• Would you like hands-on involvement with organizations?

Financial Considerations

• What portion of your wealth would you like to allocate to philanthropy?
• Are you familiar with the financial benefits of different charitable vehicles?

Legacy and Future Planning

• How would you like your philanthropy reflected in your estate plan?
• Are there causes you want to support long-term?

Challenges and Concerns

• What barriers or hesitations do you face around charitable giving?
• How can I help you overcome these to maximize your impact?

Inspirational Role Models

• Are there philanthropists or organizations you admire?
• How do you hope to influence your family and community through giving?

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A Growing Force for Change

Women are already a substantial and growing force in philanthropy, distinguished by their strategic approach and commitment to addressing root causes. As wealth continues to shift across generations, women’s influence in the charitable world will only deepen.

By leading with philanthropy and equipping women with strategic tools and knowledge, advisors can not only strengthen client relationships but also drive transformational change in society. The result is a powerful, lasting legacy—for clients, their families, their communities, and the world.

How Advisors Can Help Women Grow Their Influence in Philanthropy