Shifting the Focus: Women Are Reshaping Philanthropy and Wealth Management

Traditionally, professionals like attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors have focused on male clients, but this is changing, particularly in the realm of charitable giving. Women’s increasing control over wealth is prepared to transform philanthropy, with trillions of dollars set to transfer to women in the next decade through inheritance, earnings, and outliving male partners, according to a recent analysis from the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Many advisors are familiar with high-profile examples such as MacKenzie Scott (who has donated an estimated $19 billion) and Melinda Gates (who’s reportedly pledged more than $12 billion). But the trend is much more widespread than just a few big names. Indeed, women tend to give more generously, more broadly, and more collaboratively than men, perhaps even influencing 85% of family philanthropic decisions. The ways women approach philanthropy differ significantly from men’s, especially with respect to motivations such as empathy, personal priorities, and firsthand involvement.

Advisors can’t ignore this. Not only is charitable giving an important priority for women clients, but women often wind up being key decision-makers. Below are a few tips:

• Remember to raise the topic of charitable giving in your client meetings and make sure you direct your comments and questions to both partners. Please reach out to Hudson Community Foundation (HCF) if you need any information. In most cases, we can help. If not, we will point you and your client in the right direction.
• Get to know the various charitable giving vehicles and resources available through (HCF). Our team understands balancing tax-planning strategies and impact-focused giving. We’ll help with a couple’s philanthropy plan to reflect the priorities of both partners.
• Watch for updates from us to stay current on the latest tax developments impacting charitable giving, as well as opportunities in our community to support charities and causes that impact women and girls. This will help you be prepared for both the financial and the impact components of a client conversation with female clients.

With the trillions of dollars expected to transfer from one generation to the next by 2030, now is the time to consider how you can better serve women in your practice, especially by incorporating charitable giving as a bigger part of the conversation.

We welcome the opportunity to work with you and any of your philanthropic clients to establish an enduring and rewarding family philanthropy program that is customized to meet each client’s unique purpose.

Read more about Donors Guide to Donor Advised Funds.

With a fund at Hudson Community Foundation (HCF), advisors can manage the charitable assets on their preferred platform at any amount. Assets stay under your management. You can provide your clients with the consistent investment advice they expect. We are your partner in charitable giving!

The team at HCF is a resource as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.