Chances are highly likely YOU are or have been a philanthropist at some point in your life, whether you considered yourself one or not. You’ve likely donated to your local food pantry, placed an envelope or some loose bills in the collection plate at your church or place of worship, contributed to your family friend’s GoFundMe, watched a loved one’s kiddo, or bought Girl Scout cookies for your local female aspiring entrepreneur. All of these examples are philanthropy. For the sake of argument, let’s define philanthropy as giving your time, talent, or treasure to further the public good. Another way to express this is sharing your work, wealth, and wisdom. Philanthropy is personal and individual women practice in their own ways—but in general, the characteristics of women’s philanthropy are generosity, collaboration, deep care and concern for community and abundance.
Did you know that according to the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, less than 1.9% of philanthropic contributions go to non-profit organizations focused on supporting women and girls, and less than 2% focused on women and girls of color? Did you know that federal and state adjustments in funding over the last two years have significantly impacted these same organizations?
The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana (now the Women’s Foundation of Indiana) released a State of Women in Central Indiana report, and the Girl Scouts Coalition of Indiana released an Indiana Girls Report, Both reports document the needs and barriers of women and girls in our state. Spoiler alert: it’s not great:
- According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Indiana has a “D” grade in women’s health and well-being.
- Indiana has the third-highest maternal mortality rate among reporting states, with Black women being particularly at risk.
- More than 42% of women in Indiana have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- Median earnings for Central Indiana women are 70 cents on the dollar compared to men. A gender pay gap exists for part-time workers and for full-time workers. It persists for every race and every level of education.
So what does this mean for us, fellow Mavens? It means we are launching a new series here at Indy Maven focused on the defining characteristics and unique power of women’s philanthropy.. And not to be too grim, but we have a lot of work to do.
Here’s what you can expect from this series:
- Spotlights on Women & Girls Serving Organizations – Hear from leaders of women and girls serving organizations in Central Indiana, driving change and impacting our community.
- Inspiring Donor Profiles – We will introduce you to dynamic local women absolutely killing it as bold, changemaker philanthropists.
- Exploration of Trends and Topics in Women’s Philanthropy – Did you know there is a worldwide women’s funding movement making huge impacts in the states, abroad, and right here in Indiana? Are you bracing with excitement at the Great Wealth Transfer and how that will amplify women’s philanthropic power? We d,o and we are – and we can’t wait to tell you all about these big movements and moments!
- Connections to Resources – Did you know Mirror Indy has hired THE Ashley C. Ford as its first-ever Women & Girls Reporter? Did you know that the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana will be publishing a statewide report on the women in Indiana? We will share more about these resources and more.
And while it’s not enough right now, we do believe that it takes all of us to step in ways we haven’t before to support, invest in, and show up for our community, our fellow women, and a future we’re proud to pass along to our daughters. Together, we can and we will.
About the Authors
Allison Barkel is an Indy Maven Ambassador with a passion for creating an Indianapolis community where all can have the opportunity to thrive. With a background in education, health care, and non-profit management, Allison seeks to open the pathways of economic resources for women and girls.
Caroline Dutkanych
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