How Women Are Changing Philanthropy: A Transformational Era

Over the next few decades, a massive shift in wealth is expected to reshape philanthropy, with women playing a central role. As trillions of dollars transition from one generation to the next, women will control an unprecedented amount of financial resources, including charitable funds.

This shift, coupled with new approaches to giving, will redefine the philanthropic landscape for decades to come.

The Power of Wealth Transfer

This upcoming wealth transfer is anticipated to be one of the largest in history – with estimates suggesting more than $84 trillion will change hands by 2045.¹ Women are poised to inherit and manage a significant portion of this wealth, particularly as they tend to outlive men and increasingly take leadership roles in financial and philanthropic decision-making.

This transition will empower women to shape philanthropy on an unprecedented scale, funding causes that align with their values while driving sustainable change for the betterment of our communities, our nation, and the world.

Solving Now and Later

Women are embracing a “Both-And” mindset in philanthropy, meaning they are committed to addressing immediate needs while also investing in long-term, systemic change. Rather than choosing between providing emergency relief or addressing the root cause of an issue, women donors often leverage their resources to do both. This dual approach ensures short-term crises are met with urgency while also addressing the systemic factors to resolve an underlying cause.

Upstream Solutions

Women’s philanthropy is increasingly focused on upstream solutions—those that tackle the root causes of social and economic issues rather than only the symptoms. This shift prioritizes funding programs that promote education, economic empowerment, healthcare access, and policy advocacy.

Additionally, women are embracing values-based investing, directing their capital toward initiatives with measurable social returns. By investing in systemic change, they are working to break cycles of poverty, inequality, and injustice, fostering lasting change.

Collective Impact

As women continue to shape the future of philanthropy, we can expect to see more innovative, inclusive, and collaborative approaches to giving. Women-led philanthropy is deeply centered on community while also emphasizing partnerships, collective action, and long-term impact.

Giving circles and other peer-driven models are gaining momentum, fostering greater participation and amplifying the reach of philanthropic efforts. With their growing influence, women are driving forward causes such as empowering women and girls, healthcare, education, and social justice – ensuring that philanthropy remains a powerful force for lasting societal transformation.

The coming decades will usher in a paradigm shift in philanthropy, driven by women’s leadership, values, and strategic vision. As this wealth transfer unfolds, women are not only stepping into greater financial influence but also leveraging their resources to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.