Philanthropists, Female

Philanthropy is giving for a purpose, an outcome, a change, or a social cause. Philanthropy occurs through contributions of time, volunteer efforts, or wealth. Women philanthropists give their personal earnings, inheritances, marital wealth, or family assets. Philanthropy is part of the third sector. The third sector includes nonprofit organizations and volunteer organizations. The other sectors are the public sector and the private sector.

Examples of prominent U.S. women philanthropists include Oprah Winfrey, Joan Kroc, Teresa Heinz, Marian Wright Edelman, and Catherine S. Muther. Winfrey is cited by Forbes magazine as one of the seven most influential individuals in the world based on her influence on people through her prominence on television and through her initiatives, her extensive financial resources, and her powerful presence in many spheres.

The Angel Network is one example of her philanthropic efforts. Winfrey's focus is on women, children, and families with an emphasis on empowerment. According to Forbes, she is the first African American woman billionaire.

Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's, used her philanthropic contributions in the promotion of peace initiatives. Peace institutes at the University of Notre Dame and the University of San Diego were established with these funds. She also contributed to National Public Radio, the Salvation Army, animal welfare, the homeless, and children's charities. Kroc's contributions were given “quietly.”

Heinz is the head of the Heinz Family Philanthropies and chair of the Heinz Family Foundation's Women's Institute for Secure Retirement. Edelman established the Children's Defense Fund in 1973. This children's advocacy organization is a private nonprofit funded by foundations, corporate grants, and individual donations.

Muther, former Cisco System senior marketing officer, founded the Three Guineas Fund in 1994. The fund combines philanthropy and entrepreneurship with a focus on social change, girls, and equity. The fund makes grants focused on innovative ideas, social change, teamwork, and results.

The first women's fund, the Ms. Foundation, was created in 1973 to support the empowerment of [Page 1092]women and girls in the United States. According to its history, the foundation was established to deliver funding and other strategic resources to organizations that were elevating women's voices and solutions across race and class in communities nationwide.

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University includes academic and research initiatives as well as a fund raising school and the Women's Philanthropy Institute. The Center's Website notes the focus on increasing understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice.