Philanthropy
Giving circles are small networks in which individuals pool their contributions and decide collectively how they should be distributed; they have become an important part of the American philanthropic tradition. The Impact of Giving Together, a 2009 study of giving circles in the U.S. found that donors, particularly women, who participate in collective giving give more than other donors, give more strategically, and give to a greater number of organizations.
As a result of participation in giving circles, women's knowledge about philanthropy, nonprofits and their communities increases. Thanks to higher levels of education and, in turn, higher incomes, women's capacity for philanthropy has greatly increased in the past half century. According to research, women at virtually every income level are more likely to give to charity and to give more money on average than their male counterparts. Women also give to organizations where they can see a return on their investment –where they can be involved in witnessing change.
An investment in Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University will provide a significant positive impact to the community in the form of increased retention and graduation of our students, who will, in turn, provide leadership in their communities and to society.
Resources of interest
The 2011 Study of High Net Worth Women’s Philanthropy and the Impact of Women’s Giving Networks
Additional resources about women and the power of their philanthropy are available through the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University.