The Daily Record
August 6, 2004
Betsy Nelson
What do women want, philanthropically speaking? As leaders in every other area of society, women are beginning to understand their full potential as philanthropists, as shapers of society.
Women have come to philanthropy through their volunteer involvement with the nonprofit causes they believe in; now women are building on that expertise as they forge a path for others.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Abbie von Schlegell, author of “Women as Donors, Women as Philanthropists” and managing director at Brakeley Briscoe Inc., specialists in fundraising consulting and nonprofit management. We spoke about some of the exciting changes she has seen in how women view themselves as philanthropists.
“Because the conversation about women's philanthropy has become more frequent, women have a greater understanding that they can connect their philanthropy to programs that are important to them. I think women have become much more aware of the power of their philanthropy,” von Schlegell said. Question: How are women engaging with the programs they are choosing to support?
Answer: Women continue to engage in the programs they wish to support by volunteering, sitting on the board of directors and writing a check. However, in addition to these traditional roles, women are also rolling up their sleeves and wanting to have more of an understanding of the programs and more of an impact by getting involved in giving circles or other collaborative giving and learning vehicles like the United Way's Women's Initiative.
Q: Have nonprofits changed the way in which they reach out to women donors?
A: Absolutely. Women not only have the resources to have an impact on the nonprofits they choose to support, but they continue to want to share their time and their talent as well. I think it is critical that nonprofits respond to the powerful role that women donors and volunteers can play by tailoring giving and volunteering opportunities that are directly in line with women's lives and experiences.
Q: What are your thoughts on the role that women will have on philanthropy in the future?
A: Wow — the future is wide open for women in philanthropy. I think the conversation — and the impact — of the role of women's philanthropy has just begun. I believe that women will continue to put personal and financial resources to work on behalf of nonprofit organizations that will result in an enormous impact in the future. Interested in learning more?
The Maryland chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will hold an all-day seminar Friday, Aug. 20, titled “Women as Donors, Women as Philanthropists,” which will be moderated by von Schlegell and will include presentations by leaders in the field of women and philanthropy.
The purpose of the session is to help nonprofit organizations learn how to use the power of women to support their organizations. For further information, call (410) 529-3120.
“A Plan of One's Own: A Woman's Guide to Philanthropy” is a publication of the Baltimore Giving Project at the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers and is available to the public.
Betsy Nelson is executive director of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers. Her column appears every other week.
