Women in Philanthropy: Expanding Leadership, Impact, and Global Giving

Women in philanthropy are redefining leadership, expanding influence, and driving measurable impact across sectors worldwide. In 2026, women’s roles as donors, nonprofit leaders, advisors, and advocates will likely continue to grow, reshaping how philanthropic capital is deployed and how social challenges are addressed. Their engagement in high-impact causes — from education and health to justice and climate resilience — reflects evolving trends in values-driven giving and collaborative investment models that prioritize community outcomes. 

The rising power of women as philanthropic leaders

Women today command a significant portion of global wealth and influence major charitable decisions. Research indicates women hold approximately 40 percent of wealth worldwide and make or influence roughly 85 percent of charitable giving decisions in affluent households — underscoring their role as central drivers of philanthropic resource allocation.¹ 

Analysis of affluent donor behavior also shows that high-net-worth households give generously, with 81 percent of high-net-worth households making charitable contributions in 2024 and average donations exceeding $33,000 — more than ten times the level of the general population. This pattern reflects both continued generosity and evolving donor priorities.² 

Women’s philanthropy has become more visible and responsive to pressing societal needs, with donors increasingly aligning gifts to health equity, social justice, inclusive education, and community empowerment. Research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute finds that women’s giving is not only expanding across more causes but also engaging collective and values-based models such as giving circles that reinforce shared leadership and impact orientation.³ 

Women leading nonprofit workforces — and leadership challenges

Women constitute most of the nonprofit workforce, representing roughly three-quarters of employees and a significant portion of fundraising professionals. Despite this overwhelming presence, women remain less represented in top executive roles, particularly in nonprofit organizations. These gaps reflect broader structural hurdles related to career advancement and institutional power dynamics. 

Nonprofits increasingly recognize the importance of gender-equitable leadership pipelines and inclusive governance practices, and research suggests that organizations with higher representation of women in leadership tend to demonstrate stronger alignment with community needs and mission clarity. 

Targeted investments in women and girls can yield broad social return potential

Historically, investing in women and girls has consistently shown a strong return on investment in terms of community well-being and long-term societal growth. Philanthropic networks focused on empowering women — including national models and giving circles — are expanding their reach and capacity. These collaborative structures foster engagement, shared decision-making, and sustained resource mobilization, especially for grassroots organizations. 

The growth of giving circles

Among the emerging trends is the growth of giving circles — a rapidly expanding movement where individuals pool their resources to make a significant philanthropic impact. New research highlights that giving circles, primarily comprised of women, tripled between 2016 and 2023 — and that’s after they already tripled between 2007 and 2016. The research also states that the U.S. is home to roughly 4,000 giving circles with 370,000 total members. Collectively, these giving circles gave away $3.1 billion over seven years ending in 2023.⁴ 

Women-led philanthropic organizations driving global change

Across the globe, women-led nonprofits are advancing transformative solutions in education, environmental justice, economic resilience, and mental health. From organizations advancing girls’ education in Africa to those driving climate justice strategies and fostering community economic programs, these leaders exemplify how gender-aligned philanthropy can make a transformative impact. 

Examples include large collaborative networks and organizations that support women’s rights, educational opportunities, and community development on multiple continents, offering replicable models for impact. 

Prominent Female Philanthropists and Their Initiatives

MacKenzie Scott – Yield Giving 

MacKenzie Scott continues to lead one of the most influential philanthropic movements. In 2026 2025, she donated a record $7.1 billion to nonprofits around the world, bringing her total giving since 2019 to more than $26 billion. Her approach emphasizes large, unrestricted grants that allow organizations to deploy resources to meet pressing needs.⁵ 

Melinda French Gates – Pivotal Ventures 

Through targeted Investments and partnership networks focused on gender equity, workplace transformation, and health, French Gates shapes initiatives that strengthen opportunities for women and communities. 

Laurene Powell Jobs – Emerson Collective 

Powell Jobs allocates philanthropic capital toward education innovation, immigrant rights, climate resilience, and broader systemic reforms, emphasizing long-term impact and strategic partnerships. 

Oprah Winfrey – Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation 

The foundation supports educational access, youth leadership programs, and disaster relief efforts, with assets and programs aimed at expanding opportunity and community well-being. 

Rihanna – Clara Lionel Foundation 

Rihanna’s foundation focuses on climate resilience, global emergency response, and education, particularly in underserved regions. 

Sheryl Sandberg – Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation 

The foundation advances support for families, mental health resources, and gender equity initiatives. 

FAQs

Q: How are women shaping philanthropy?

A: Women have roles as donors, nonprofit leaders, board members, volunteers, and advocates, impacting how philanthropic resources are deployed and prioritized.

Q: Why are women major contributors to philanthropic giving today?

A: Women’s growing share of wealth and their influence on household giving decisions have positioned them as key contributors to philanthropy. Research shows women hold around 40 percent of global wealth and make or influence 85 percent of giving decisions in affluent households.¹

 Q: What kinds of causes do women philanthropists prioritize?

A: Women’s philanthropy often emphasizes health equity, education — especially for girls — social justice, and initiatives that strengthen community support systems.

 Q: How are women changing leadership in the nonprofit sector?

A: Women already dominate nonprofit workforces and fundraising roles, though they still face barriers to top leadership. Continued investments in leadership development and gender-inclusive governance can expand representation at senior levels.

Q: What are giving circles and why do they matter?

A: Giving circles are collaborative models in which individuals pool donations to award grants collectively. These models have multiplied in recent years and are frequently majority women, reinforcing shared decision-making and community-aligned funding.

 

For more information on how Mercer Advisors supports nonprofits, contact our endowments and foundations team.