8 things to know about women donors

1. Women donors give twice as many gifts as men, but at smaller levels. In total, they give a higher percentage of their income.
2. Language used in reaching women donors is import. Women prefer not to refer to themselves as “philanthropists,” but rather people who are “making a difference” or “giving something back.”
3. Because of their longer life expectancy, women donors are expected to soon control 70% of all planned giving assets. Planned giving products should reflect women’s need for stable, long-term income.
4. Their giving decisions are based less on status and recognition then male counterparts. They do not want to be seen as giving more than their peers.
5. Younger women are often motivated to give by their peers through giving circles and other structured activities. They are also more open to giving online.
6. They’re not as concerned about the status of the host committee members as male donors.
7. Women value a personal connection with their solicitor and their commitment to the cause. It is less important of what their solicitor status is than for male donors.
8. When talking to women donors paint a picture of the agency’s long-term vision through stories. Plus, they appreciate hearing a solicitor's own personal giving story.
   

These tips come from independent Fundraising Counselor Mary Alex Needham and a survey she conducted for the Women’s Funding Network. She'd be the first to point out that these are just general trends among the surveyed group women who had made their own fortune. But I think it is very informative nonetheless, don't you?