The gender gap in charitable giving is alive and well several years after the Feminist Majority Foundation first issued its report, Empowering Women in Philanthropy.
Most people have the impression that charities serve males and females on an equal basis. In reality, programs for boys and men often receive much more funding than those for girls and women.
For example, in 1992 the YMCA received $113.9 million in United Way funding; the YWCA received only $69.9 million. The Boy Scouts received $89.7 million in 1992 from United Way, and the Girl Scouts only $58.5 million.
Perhaps the most dramatic impact of funding bias is in medical research, where the nation's largest studies have virtually left women out. According to 1990 data from the Foundation Center, only 2.9% of foundation funding for medical research was for women's health.
A key reason this sex bias is so pervasive is that funding decision-making bodies, foundation boards, lack women. The Council of Foundations reports that 71% of foundation board members are male, which is unchanged from 1990.
To end gender bias in philanthropy, women can take three steps:
Target donations for women's programs. Rather than give a general gift to a university, for example. ample, target your donation for a women's studies program, women's sports, or campus child care. Earmark hospital gifts for breast or ovarian cancer research.
Put more women in charge. Before you give, ask how many women are on the board of the institution you are giving to. Encourage women to seek board positions and apply yourself for board positions.
Expose sex bias. If a foundation or program discriminates against women, let others know.
Feminists can make especially great strides in closing the gender gap in philanthropy by supporting endowment funds for women's programs in the short term, and by putting women's organizations in their wills for the long term. For more information about the Feminist Majority Foundation's endowment program and bequests program, call (415) 883-1233.