Holiday Giving Strategy: Find Power in Numbers

U.S. News and World Report has included Women's Funding Network in its "10 Smart Money Ways to Give" rundown. You can read more here.

Women's funds are a great choice for charity giving because the money you give is an investment in a community, whether the women's fund is supporting improvement in your community, state, nation or worldwide.

If you are looking for an innovative way to honor someone special in your life, consider giving to your local women's fund.

What's In Store for Women and Girls This Decade?

Some of the remarkable women who lead women's funds and partner with them as donor activists got together to share what they feel is possible for women and girls in the next 10 years.

Have a listen and share what you think is possible.

Happy International Women's Day!

A Changed Man

Interesting post in PhilanTopic this week from Larry McGill, who is the Vice President of Research at the U.S.-based Foundation Center.

In the post, Mr. McGill recounts his experience attending an international meeting of women's funds focused on measuring the impact of social change philanthropy. His personal reflection does a good job of capturing the energy and, dare I say, magic that is in the air when committed, focused, talented women leaders are in one room to discuss solving the world's most pressing problems:

"What I discovered was that it was impossible for this man -- an outsider to the group in so many ways (in terms of gender, upbringing, experiences, and unearned advantages social, economic and political) -- to work side-by-side with a group of women of such deep commitment and accomplishment without being personally affected, indeed "changed." For me, courage and strength have a new face -- in fact, more than two dozen new faces. And even that isn't quite right -- because linked inseparably with each of these remarkable women are the lives of countless other women whom they would tell you are the most remarkable of all." (emphasis mine)

Have you been changed by a women's fund in 2009?

Ludacris Gets the Philanthropy Bug

Rapper Ludacris, who recently launched his own foundation, announced over the weekend he had given away 20 cars as a way "to give back to those who need it." Read the whole story here.

This story is encouraging because it puts a spotlight on philanthropy -- especially for young people who listen to Ludacris and come across this story while searching for information on the artist.

It also shows there is a consciousness that economic difficulties are not ending just because a few economic indicators are heading back up.

I am also hoping this is the beginning of a personal journey for Ludacris as he hones his philanthropic knowledge and begins learning about root causes and systemic change. Giving away cars does not solve problems. Hopefully Ludacris is on his way to becoming a donor activist capable of creating lasting, sustainable change by working with communities to solve the causes of problems.

Luda -- if you're reading -- check out Anderson Family Foundation. They're in Atlanta too and doing amazing work!

Future Philanthropy

This weekend The New York Times Sunday Magazine hits newsstands with a special edition focused on the power of women to create lasting positive change in society.

As part of this focus, the Times covers the rising power of women-led philanthropy, paying special attention to women's funds and the Women Moving Millions campaign. But of course!

Pick up the Magazine to read about the power of women and check out The Power of the Purse!

Let us know what you think? For example, does anyone find the art work unrepresentative?

What Do You Think About 'The Philanthropist'?

Our own Deborah Richardson writes:

I've been watching NBC's "The Philanthropist" and wonder if the show will turn a corner anytime soon and start following more closely the philanthropy of the man who inspired the show - instead of mixing "MacGyver" and "The Amazing Race."

Read her full post on Huffingtonpost.com!