Women and Philanthropy: A Literature Review (2025)

Abstract

This updated literature review from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) synthesizes nearly a decade of new research on gender and philanthropy since the publication of WPI’s inaugural review in 2015. It provides a comprehensive overview of what is known about women’s giving and volunteering, their motivations and behaviors, and their growing influence as nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. The report explores key themes including women’s historical and contemporary roles in philanthropy, gender differences in giving and volunteering patterns, giving to women’s and girls’ organizations, and the impact of women’s leadership on nonprofit governance and outcomes. It highlights the influence of social and political events on women’s giving, the expansion of collective giving models such as giving circles, and the development of tools like the Women & Girls Index that track philanthropic support for women’s and girls’ causes. The review concludes by identifying gaps and priorities for future research, including approaches that more fully consider intersectional identities; longitudinal studies of giving across life stages and generations; international comparative research; and investigations into the long-term effects of women’s philanthropic leadership and collective giving models. Together, these insights advance a nuanced understanding of women’s philanthropy and provide a roadmap for scholars, funders, and practitioners to further strengthen the field.