Women in Philanthropy Part 3 - An Interview with Jeannie Sager on the Petrus Development Show
In this episode, Sarah and Tara are continuing the conversation of Women in Philanthropy. In Part 3, they visit with Jeannie Sager, Director of the Woman's Philanthropy Institute. During this episode they discuss the transfer of wealth of women and women as professionals working in the development sector.
Show Notes:
Jeannie Sager, Director of Women’s Philanthropy Institute.
Gender matters within philanthropy. Women and men have different motivations for giving and different ways of practicing their philanthropy.
Three core findings from 10 years of research:
- Women’s wealth is rising
- Women are more likely to give
- Women give differently
More and more, women have more access to education, income and wealth. And these three things are predictors for philanthropy.
Research reports are available online at https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/newest-report/index.html
What types of organizations are at the top of women’s giving?
Religious organizations remain at the top and next is healthcare. Research shows that women give more in all categories except those that focus on recreational activities. All research is based on United States.
Globally, women hold 32% of the wealth. That percentage is higher in the United States. But women’s wealth in terms of rising is a global event.
What are some things to encourage young people to be interested in philanthropists? (Aspiring Philanthropists)
We need to meet these young people where they are. This includes with the word “philanthropy” which can set a barrier.
Women are drawn to time and talent before they are interested in discussing treasure. So you must connect with all three areas if you want to approach treasure/money.
Transformational vs transactional
How can people take this data and do something with it?
Women give broadly, women give collectively and women holistically. What kinds of opportunities are you offering providing to meet those three needs? Re-examine and be more thoughtful with how your opportunities resonate with women giving.
What are some creative ways that non-profits have created community and fellowship?
Virtual and technology has been vital. Facebook events, Zoom, Virtual Events have allowed people to continue to show up. Book clubs and giving circles have been great because people can be seen and heard since you can’t talk over each other.
Significant percentage of junior development officers are women and the median age is 27.
Can you give any advice to young women considering development as a career?
There is a new generation of young people becoming interested in development as an intentional career path. It’s been traditionally/casually, a career that people fall into. The infrastructure that we are walking into was built by a different generation. This means that you need to be unafraid to challenge that infrastructure. Look at new ways to do the work that is much more inclusive.
Women, in terms of identity, will start to see themselves in the word “philanthropist.”
New York Times article referenced
Transmission of Generosity
A 2017 study showed that modeling generosity behavior is so much more important for daughters than it is for sons.
Tara’s Take-Aways:
- Creating different entry points for our organizations. Need to have diverse opportunities for involvement.
- Need to be conscious of our material of what we put out there. Discuss segmenting your data and what we need to be sending to whom.
- Development as a career path, consider it as a long-term career. Look at certification programs and higher education programs specifically for development. Invest in your education.
Sarah’s Take-Aways:
- If there’s one thing I can be doing now, I can start planning and identifying ways to connect with others.
- When you’re thinking of your average donor, it’s actually a 64 year old woman. And how that changes how you look at who you’re trying to reach.
- Expand the definition of philanthropy. What is looks like today vs what it used to look like. What does it look like in different segments.
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