Women’s Philanthropy — More Important Than Ever for 2021!

Women’s Philanthropy — More Important Than Ever for 2021!

On September 22, 2020, Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis officially kicked off its membership drive for the 2021 grant pool with our webinar “Women’s Philanthropy – More Important Than Ever for 2021!”

Karen Holly, Board President, opened the webinar by stating that2020 has taught us many lessons about philanthropy but has also reinforced our belief in The Power of Women Giving as One(R). This kick-off is to get us ready to have an impact in 2021 — building on those lessons and our strengths. Karen introduced Jeannie Sager, our keynote speaker, who is director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, which is housed under the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Karen and Jeannie discussed the role of WPI and its recent research projects – focusing on how gender influences giving. WPI is focused on conducting and disseminating research that grows women’s philanthropy. WPI’s conclusion from research is that women’s wealth is rising, women are more likely to give than men, and women and men give differently. Women also have a broader definition of what constitutes philanthropy. The WPI reports explore these differences, deepening our understanding of why, how, where, and when women give.

Recent reports that will be of great interest to Impact 100 members include two reports on giving circles and WPI’s newest report on COVID’s impact on philanthropy.

In the question and answer session, attendees were particularly interested in how giving circles could increase their diversity, equity, and inclusion of people of color. Jeannie talked about the importance of removing barriers to participation in membership and in grant applications.

Jeannie also introduced us to the concept of the trust-based philanthropy pledge, which is being promoted by the Ford Foundation and coalitions of foundations. The pledge in essence provides that philanthropies will address the unanticipated effects of pandemic as its social and economic implications unfold.

Lizzie Knol, Grants Co-Chair (FAC Liaison), summarized the process the Board, our Focus Area Committees, and our members had followed in 2020 in awarding our $100,000 Change Maker grant. She explained that the Board had determined to award residual grants of $26,500 to four finalists to help them meet their needs during COVID.

Lizzie introduced Julie Randall, Director of Family Promise of Hendricks County, our 2020 Change Maker. Julie reported that our $100,000 grant has already had an impact – homelessness has been ended for 9 families and prevented for 77 families in August! Family Promise has also received a $500,000 grant, building upon the credibility of our grant. In addition to the direct financial impact, Julie said, our grant “kept the spirit alive” of their work. She shared a quote from one of their clients – “I want to thank you for everything. The children and me can finally be happy here.”

Julianne Robinson, Membership Chair, explained that Impact 100 membership has given her the opportunity:

to meet a diverse group of women, dedicated to philanthropy
to learn about the critical needs of Indy through our grant process
to see the real impact that non-profits are making, particularly through our follow-the-impact events

Impact 100 is special because 100% of the membership dues go directly to the grant pool. We are empowered as Women of Impact to direct funds to make a huge impact locally.

Women’s philanthropy will be more important than ever in 2021. To meet the needs of our community through our grants, Julianne encouraged current members to rejoin and new members to sign up. It’s easy to complete a membership form, telling us how and when you want to pay, and submit your payment. those of you who were able to attend the webinar, we have provided the links to the very important research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute.

The webinar was recorded and you can view it here. While it can be hard to find 55 minutes in busy schedules, this is a great opportunity to learn more about women’s philanthropy.