On International Women’s Day, we recognize the many ways women shape philanthropy and the charitable sector: as leaders, donors, volunteers, and advocates for change.
Each year on International Women’s Day, people around the world pause to recognize the achievements of women and the many ways they shape communities, institutions, and social progress. In the charitable sector, women play a powerful role.
Often, we hear about prominent philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates, or influential nonprofit leaders like Gail J. McGovern of the American Red Cross and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot of Feeding America.
These women demonstrate the extraordinary leadership women can bring to the sector. Yet their work is part of a much larger story, shaped by countless women who give their time, talent, and resources every day to advance charitable causes as volunteers, employees, leaders, and donors.
Women are present at every level of the nonprofit sector. According to research from the Urban Institute, half of nonprofit board members and 46% of board chairs are women.
Data from Candid shows that women hold 58% of CEO roles in nonprofits with budgets under $250,000, 61% in organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $500,000, and 29% in organizations with budgets exceeding $50 million.
These figures highlight both the progress women have made and the opportunities that remain in very large charities.
Beyond leadership roles, women make up a large portion of the nonprofit workforce.
As highlighted in The Nevada Community Foundation’s The Rise of the Female Philanthropist, “women make up nearly two-thirds of the private nonprofit workforce, while 70% of women serve as nonprofit fundraisers.”
Women are central to the day-to-day work of charities, developing programs, raising funds, and ensuring that organizations fulfill their missions.
Women’s influence is equally significant when it comes to charitable contributions.
According to The 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households, 85% of household charitable giving decisions are made or influenced by women.
Similarly, 85% of women say they sometimes or always align their purchasing decisions with their values, 42% volunteer their time, and 24% give specifically to organizations supporting women and girls.
From leading organizations and serving on boards, to volunteering their time and shaping household giving decisions, women help define the priorities and impact of the charitable sector. International Women’s Day offers an opportunity to celebrate these contributions and the countless women who make a difference every day.
As you consider supporting organizations that advance opportunities for women and girls, take a moment to verify whether a charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability at Give.org.
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A quick check can help you make informed giving decisions and support organizations committed to transparency and effectiveness.
