Solving complex and challenging problems around the world requires perspective, grit, and leadership from men and women. Simply put: gender matters in philanthropy. The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) exists to:
The WPI helps to better understand the powerful role of women as leaders in 21st century philanthropy, and how to leverage that power for the common good.
Donors, fundraisers, advisors, and leaders across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors benefit from the WPI's empirical data and innovative programs that inspire bold, transformative philanthropy.
Want to learn more? We offer education and training about women’s philanthropy. Join us for reflection, analysis, and discussion of timely issues as we explore how and why gender matters in philanthropy.
Join WPI in Chicago to explore new ways women work in philanthropy, the strength of collaborations, the power of convening, the role of philanthropy + advocacy to accelerate change, and future directions for our work together.
Learn more about the 2017 symposiumNew research study explores the methods and motivations of donors to women’s and girls’ causes.
Download the report How to use the researchRead how transformative philanthropists connect their values to their philanthropic action.
“What I learned from my mother about the power of giving”
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“The most radical way to advance meaningful change is to shift economic, social and cultural power to those who don’t have it.”
Read articleThe Women’s Philanthropy Institute increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education—interpreting and sharing our insights broadly to improve philanthropy.
Our groundbreaking three-part research series and accompanying literature review, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on how and why women give, for instance, offer unique insight into the distinct ways women give -- and how, in doing so, they are transforming how all donors give.
Learn more about the research series