Proven Practices brings together six principles for strengthening engagement with women donors. The framework draws on WPI research and Kathleen Loehr’s extensive practitioner experience translating research into fundraising practice.
Pausing to learn may feel counterintuitive, but it is essential for effective strategy. Before jumping in, review relevant research, examine your own donor data, and consider how current practices might better resonate with women donors.
Some of the most valuable insights come from donors themselves. Ask women about their motivations, preferences, experiences, and goals. Organizations that intentionally seek input can uncover ideas and perspectives that strengthen donor engagement and fundraising strategy.
Philanthropy extends beyond financial gifts. Women may contribute time, expertise, networks, advocacy, leadership, and financial support to the causes they care about. Engage donors and volunteers in ways that recognize this broader, more holistic range of philanthropic participation.
Sustained change requires leadership support. Organizational leaders shape vision, priorities, culture, and resources. Their active involvement can help move women’s engagement from an isolated initiative to a meaningful part of the organization’s fundraising strategy.
Organizations do not need a perfect model before beginning. A focused first initiative can generate learning, build internal confidence, and reveal additional opportunities to engage women in ways that support their mission.
This work is not a one-time program with a single end point. Over time, organizations can integrate these practices into their culture and donor engagement, strengthening relationships with women and improving how they engage a broader range of supporters.
Organizations can adapt these principles in ways that fit their mission, culture, and donor community. By integrating these principles, organizations can strengthen relationships with women donors and fundraise more inclusively.
Ready to put the principles into practice? Start with the assessment to identify a practical first step for your organization.
Proven Practices is a resource of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
