The Women Who Built the World—And Funded It
March is Women's History Month, and while we often celebrate pioneers in science, politics, and activism, we rarely talk about the women who funded the movements that changed the world.
Without women donors, the suffrage movement wouldn’t have had the resources to fight for the right to vote. Without women philanthropists today, countless nonprofits would struggle to stay afloat. Yet, female donors are often an afterthought in fundraising strategies.
Take Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire. She didn’t just build a beauty empire—she reinvested her wealth into Black education, civil rights, and economic opportunities for women.
Or look at Melinda French Gates, who has dedicated billions to global health and women’s empowerment. These women didn’t just give; they reshaped philanthropy. But how often do we see nonprofits actively cultivating relationships with female donors in a meaningful way?
Ignoring Half the Philanthropic Powerhouse
Here’s the reality: Women control over 60% of wealth in the U.S. and are more likely to give than men—yet nonprofits often fail to cultivate them properly. Studies show women donors prioritize impact and relationships over flashy perks, yet many organizations still use old-school, transactional fundraising methods that don’t resonate.
Fundraising Strategies That Actually Work for Women Donors
If you want to tap into the immense giving potential of women donors, you need to rethink your approach:
- Tell stories, not just stats—Women want to see the human impact of their giving. Data is useful, but storytelling creates an emotional connection.
- Build relationships over time—Female donors give more when they feel personally connected to a cause. Engage them beyond fundraising seasons.
- Offer ways to engage beyond giving—Women love participating, advocating, and mentoring. Create opportunities for them to do more than donate.
- Create female-centered giving communities—Women thrive in collaborative environments. Consider forming women’s giving circles that allow donors to fund initiatives collectively.
- Acknowledge their influence and expertise—Don’t just thank women for their financial gifts—invite them into decision-making roles, advisory boards, or mentorship programs.
Ignoring female philanthropists is like leaving money on the table. Recognize their power, and they’ll help fuel your mission for years to come. Women aren’t just donors—they’re movement-builders, and it’s time fundraising efforts reflected that.
Want to strengthen your donor engagement strategies? Start with a Stewardship Audit to identify gaps and build stronger relationships with your supporters.
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