Women and Philanthropy in the United States, 1790-1990

Abstract

This document was part of the Multicultural Philanthropy Project, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. A series of fourteen guides examine the ways in which various gender, ethnic, cultural, religious and racial groups use their gifts of time, money, and talent. They reflect the ways giving and voluntarism are embedded in American life and challenge the notion that philanthropy is the exclusive province of elites. The guides include discussion topics, research questions, and literature overviews with annotated bibliographies. They were developed both to integrate the study of philanthropy into the curricula at colleges and universities, and to provide a tool to nonprofit professionals in the area of development and fundraising. Each volume provides background information on a selected community that will help practitioners work effectively with these groups. This guide provides an overview of the rich tradition of women?s giving and volunteering in the United States over the course of two centuries (between 1790 and 1990) and illustrates the ways that women have changed American society. The volume focuses on voluntary associations and describes the activities of various groups of women in different regions of the United States. It will be of particular use to those seeking to understand the ways that philanthropy has played an important role in enabling women of different religious, races, regions and economic backgrounds to shape American politics, professions and institutions. It also offers a context for nonprofit professionals and fundraisers who are looking to identify the best ways to tap into the enormous wealth held by women in the 21st century. This knowledge may then serve as a springboard for involving women today by reminding women of their ability to use giving and voluntarism to shape the future in directions they believe important