A celebration of women's philanthropy

In this special report on Women & Philanthropy, I'm delighted that we have been given the chance to celebrate the extraordinarily diverse and energetic contribution made by women to the world of philanthropy. But let's not forget all those whose philanthropy remains hidden. Philanthropy as defined in the Oxford Dictionary is “the desire to help others, especially through donation of money to good causes”. 

It's worth remembering all those women who give their time, resources and energy to hold their communities together, from a gathering of a group of mothers considering how to counter gun crime, to an early morning breakfast club for kids of working mothers.  Philanthropy can be time, energy and commitment as well as hard cash. 

Moreover, women’s role in major philanthropy continues to evolve, and – as we report in the following article – is becoming increasingly influential. But this activity is not without precedent, and we also provide historical and global perspectives on women’s giving. 

All the philanthropists profiled herein give different accounts as to what philanthropy means to them and why they became philanthropists.  It's fascinating to me that almost all, whether individuals or groups, make other women their primary beneficiaries.  Whether these individuals are motivated by the reality of continuing inequality, or by their desire to give back to society, there is an undeniable sense of ‘sisterhood’.  This growing sense of sisterhood is central to the new UK Women’s Fund (see “UK Women's Fund to launch” ).

Another undeniable theme is the fun and joy our contributors find in giving.  They talk of “making a difference”, and “living their values” through what they support.  This positive attitude is a far cry from the media's often dismissive view of women philanthropists as described in Beth Breeze’s article (see “The media and women philanthropists” ).

The women who are profiled here have different backgrounds and different experiences.  Sigrid Rausing’s personal politics are exhibited by her giving to women’s rights; J.K. Rowling by feeling a moral responsibility “when given far more than you need”; Mia Morris by her sense of community social responsibility; Darcey Bussell as a way to “give something back”; and Renu Mehta by her feelings of guilt and unfulfilment, and ensuing desire to create a culture of giving. Their philanthropy is shaped by their experiences and is driven by their values.

Our historical profiles also feature two influential women who through their wealth improved employment, education, legislation and representation for women in generations to follow.  The profiles of corporate groups, networks and giving circles emphasise the importance for those groups of engaging with those they wish to support, and developing partnerships rather than just signing a cheque. 

It is not just the recipients who benefit; givers are immeasurably enriched by seeing the results of their philanthropy. 

Maggie Baxter is setting up the new UK Women’s Fund, to be launched this spring. In January 2007 she left the post of Executive Director of WOMANKIND Worldwide where she had been since May 1999.  Prior to this she was Deputy Chief Executive and Grants Director at Comic Relief.  She is a trustee of several charities, including City Parochial Foundation, where she chairs the Grants Committee, as well as Trust for London and Women for Refugee Women.