New research by Elizabeth M. Gillespie and Ming Xie (2025), published in Nonprofit Management & Leadership, explores how and why women choose to give. The study, Exploring Determinants of Philanthropic Decision-Making among Women Donors, finds that women’s generosity is shaped by empathy, experience, and social connection rather than prestige or financial status (Gillespie & Xie, 2025). 

Women donors tend to favour causes that strengthen communities—such as education, healthcare, and equality—and are especially motivated by opportunities to create lasting social change. “Women donors are motivated by a desire for meaningful impact, shaped by personal experiences, identities, and social networks,” the authors note. 

For charities, the message is clear: connection and transparency matter. Organisations that communicate their impact clearly and involve donors in their mission are more likely to build lasting trust. 

As philanthropy continues to evolve, Gillespie and Xie’s research highlights a vital truth: women give not just with their resources, but with their hearts—seeking to make a difference that endures. 

*Gillespie, E. M. & Xie, M. (2025) Exploring Determinants of Philanthropic Decision-Making Among Women Donors. Nonprofit Management & Leadership. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.70018