Engage, Then Ask

Consider these facts if you’re hesitant about a special focus on women in your fundraising effort. The 2000 U.S. census reported there are 140 million women in the country, which equates to 6 million more women than men. Women have been the majority of college students since 1979; 30 percent of women ages 25 to 29 hold a bachelor’s degree or better. Education is a strong indicator of philanthropic activity. As of 2002, 43 percent of Americans with gross assets of more than $500,000 were women.