By 2030, research projects women will control approximately 40% of wealth in the U.S. and the European Union, with female-controlled assets continuing to outpace the market. In the U.S. alone, total assets controlled by women increased from $10 trillion in 2018 to about $18 trillion in 2023.[1] Another report projects that $124 trillion will be transferred from Baby Boomers and older generations to the next generations.[2]
As that influence grows, so does the opportunity to shape meaningful social change. Women already make or influence around 85% of charitable giving decisions in households, often approaching philanthropy with a strong emphasis on connection, community, and long-term impact.[3] Many also take a more active approach, often going beyond financial contributions to invest their time and talents in helping organizations expand their networks and capacity.
Aligning Philanthropy With Personal Values
The most rewarding charitable endeavors begin with a clear understanding of personal and family values. Many women prioritize causes such as social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. To build a cohesive giving strategy, investors should distill their core principles to clarify their philanthropic philosophy.
Once priorities are established, the next step is identifying organizations that reflect those values. This often involves evaluating transparency and measurable outcomes, as well as overall mission alignment. Many women take a more engaged approach, gravitating toward organizations where they can actively participate in philanthropy and, over time, see the direct impact of their contributions.
Collaborative giving has also become a powerful way for women to align their values with their wealth and work alongside like-minded philanthropists. Often structured as “giving circles,” these groups bring together individuals with shared values and interests to pool resources and support specific causes. Their growth has been notable—tripling in number between 2016 and 2023—and they have collectively contributed billions of dollars in recent years.[4] By coming together, women can amplify their impact and support more targeted, high-impact initiatives.
Utilizing Strategic Giving Options
Effective philanthropy requires a strategic approach to maximize both social outcomes and financial efficiency. Women increasingly utilize diverse and tax-savvy forms of giving to ensure their capital reaches the communities that need it most.
Tax-Efficient Giving Vehicles
Donating appreciated assets, such as stocks held long term, can be a tax-efficient way to give, allowing investors to avoid capital gains taxes while deducting the full market value of the gift.
For those seeking a more structured approach, donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer flexibility in both timing and distribution. They allow donors to take an immediate tax deduction while recommending grants to charities over time, and can accommodate more complex assets, including private company stock or real estate.
Charitable remainder trusts can provide an income stream for a set period before transferring the remaining assets to a designated charity. Charitable gift annuities offer a similar balance, providing fixed payments in exchange for a charitable contribution. For individuals age 70 1/2 and older, qualified charitable distributions from a traditional IRA present another option—allowing direct gifts to an organization that also count toward required minimum distributions.
Venture Philanthropy
Many female investors explore venture philanthropy to drive innovation. This model applies venture capital principles to charitable giving, combining funding with hands-on support to help organizations build capacity and scale solutions more effectively. Venture philanthropy uses key performance indicators tied to community outcomes to maximize the social return on investment, often times benefiting public charities with additional revenue streams.
Board Service and Leadership
Beyond financial assistance, women contribute significant human capital. Volunteering time or serving on nonprofit boards allows donors to engage deeply with their chosen causes. Various studies indicate that organizations with gender-diverse boards consistently produce highly equitable outcomes. They also allocate more resources to initiatives promoting innovation, equity, and social justice.
Involving the Next Generation
Philanthropy is a great tool to prepare children and grandchildren to inherit wealth and continue a legacy of stewardship. Parents play a critical role in preparing their children to become charitable adults.
Modeling Behavior
Parents often find success in modeling philanthropic behavior for their children. When young people observe this passion firsthand, they develop a natural curiosity and a desire to contribute.
Introducing philanthropy early can help children develop a strong sense of purpose and generosity; the next generation needs the freedom to explore their own interests. By finding personal passions, children feel empowered to choose causes they genuinely care about. Set aside resources and time for them to explore organizations and build their leadership skills.
Creating a Family Giving Plan
It may be helpful for your family to think about what philanthropy means to you. Define the causes that reflect your family values, set clear intentions, and choose appropriate giving vehicles. A successful plan incorporates flexibility and regular check-ins to adapt as priorities evolve. By creating this structure early on, you allow the next generation to engage naturally without feeling rushed into leadership.
Organize family retreats or giving days focused on philanthropy. These events deepen family bonds and help children gain confidence in their roles. Providing hands-on volunteering opportunities helps younger family members grasp the needs of others and the direct influence of their contributions.
Building a Lasting Philanthropic Legacy
Meaningful philanthropy is not just about how much you give—it's about how thoughtfully you give. With a clear strategy in place, your philanthropy can create a lasting legacy by strengthening communities while reflecting what matters most to you and your family.
Working with a trusted advisor can help bring structure to that vision, from identifying mission-aligned organizations to facilitating family conversations and designing giving strategies over time. When approached with intention, philanthropy can become a powerful extension of your values across generations.
- McKinsey & Company. “The new face of wealth: The rise of the female investor.” ↩
- Cerulli. “$124 Trillion in Wealth Will Change Hands by 2048.” ↩
- Bank of America. “The 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households.” ↩
- Foundation Source. “Collective Giving is on the Rise—and Shifting the Philanthropy Landscape.” ↩