Mike’s Monday Message Takeover: Women in Philanthropy: Shaping the Future

March is both Women’s History Month and the time we mark International Women’s Day, an opportunity to reflect on the critical role women play in shaping our world, especially through fundraising. As we navigate a turbulent political landscape in the U.S. (and Canada), one thing remains certain: women fundraisers are leading the way in driving generosity, advocacy, and systemic change like never before.

Women make up the majority of the nonprofit workforce, yet they continue to face challenges such as pay inequity, underrepresentation in leadership, and workplace harassment. At the same time, they are shaping the future of philanthropy—mobilizing resources, forging deep relationships with donors, and championing causes that advance social progress. By 2030, women in the U.S. are expected to control 70% of the $50 trillion wealth transfer from Baby Boomers, making them not only key fundraisers but also essential partners in philanthropy’s future.

Women’s Impact Initiative: Supporting Women Fundraisers
Launched in 2018, AFP’s Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) is a comprehensive effort to assess, address, and highlight the specific challenges that women in the fundraising profession face. The initiative provides education, research, and community support to help overcome gender inequity in the profession.
In a time when nonprofits are navigating threats to reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and racial justice initiatives, the work of WII is more important than ever. Some key areas of focus include:

• Empowering women in fundraising
  • At AFP ICON 2025, the session "20 Years of Women’s Philanthropy Research: Implications for Growing Giving By and For Women", builds on two decades of research on gender and philanthropy, highlighting unique insights from the Women's Philanthropy Institute's new research on trends in women's philanthropy since 2000. Attendees will learn about the driving forces behind these changes and gain practical strategies for engaging women in philanthropy.
• Navigating power and safety in fundraising
  • Women fundraisers are often at the intersection of power dynamics in philanthropy, with 44% of women in fundraising experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. This Speaking Truth to Power Toolkit provides essential resources for addressing these challenges and ensuring safer work environments for all fundraisers.
• Advancing Women’s Leadership in Fundraising
  • Women remain underrepresented in executive fundraising roles and board leadership. The AFP/Alford Group Women’s Impact Initiative Mentor Program helps connect women with mentors to navigate career growth, leadership opportunities, and systemic challenges in the profession.
  • AFP LEAD 2025, AFP’s annual leadership conference, will feature a dedicated Women’s Impact Initiative track.

Women Fundraisers as Advocates in a Shifting Political Landscape
In light of the current complex political climate, evolving governmental policies and funding priorities are significantly influencing donor behavior and reshaping nonprofit strategies. Fundraisers must navigate new restrictions, evolving donor expectations, and increased scrutiny around social justice initiatives. Women fundraisers are on the front lines—leading fundraising efforts for reproductive rights, climate justice, and democracy protection, while also advocating for workplace equity and inclusion within the sector.

At a time when many nonprofits are facing challenges due to political and economic uncertainty, women fundraisers are not just sustaining the sector—they are redefining it. Through their work, they ensure that critical causes remain funded, that donor relationships remain strong, and that philanthropy remains a powerful force for change.

Elevating Women in Fundraising
The future of fundraising is bold, inclusive, and unapologetically female. But to ensure lasting change, we must continue advocating for pay equity, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women in the profession.

This Women’s History Month, let’s commit to supporting women fundraisers, investing in their leadership, and ensuring that philanthropy reflects the diverse voices that make up our communities. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or organizational change, we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable fundraising profession. The time is now - let’s rise together.