Top Women in Philanthropy

It’s one thing to give to charity or volunteer on weekends. But it’s another thing entirely to dedicate your life to assisting those in need and improving people’s lives.

Welcome to our list of the .

These inspiring women are volunteers, advocates and caretakers for those suffering from disease, famine, poverty and lack of access to education.

Though experts say female philanthropists often get “less recognition than men,” they give nearly twice as much of their income to charity as men do – 3.8 percent vs. 1.8 percent – according to a Barclays Wealth study.

Plus, gift values donated by women-led organizations have increased by 25 percent in the past few years, according to the Women’s Funding Network.

These organizations help women and communities across the globe in places like Uganda, China, Haiti, Rwanda, New York and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The women were selected based on their position at the nonprofit, the scope of its work and their unwavering commitment and passion for helping others.

They are: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Inc.’s Melissa Berman, SowHope’s Mary Dailey Brown, One Hundred Days’ Kelli Sasser, CASA Los Angeles’ Dilys Garcia, Itsatwist’s Isabel Garreton, Do Something’s Nancy Lublin, Solar Sister’s Katherine Lucey, MedRebels Foundation’s Shay McBurney, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s Janice McKenzie-Crayton, Dove Missions’ Liz Sunel and the Eating Disorder Information Network’s Lisbeth Rhine.

“When times are tough,” says Lucey, “give yourself away and lose yourself in purpose.” We asked these women what inspires them, how they got started, where they turn when times get tough and their goals for the future.

Click to read about the Top Women in Philanthropy.

VOTE for your top woman in philanthropy — the winner’s organization will be the featured nonprofit at Little PINK Book’s 3rd annual Spring into Ownership event! Voting is open from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3.

By Caroline Cox

“It’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able
to touch somebody’s life.”
Oprah Winfrey