Across the country, women are playing an increasingly powerful role in shaping philanthropy and driving change in their communities. Over the past decade, research has shown that women are not only giving more frequently, but also leading charitable conversations in their households, workplaces, and communities.

A 2025 literature review from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy highlights just how much women’s philanthropy has evolved. The report found that women’s giving is becoming more visible, values-driven, and responsive to the social and political issues shaping our communities. Women are supporting a wider range of causes than ever before, with particular focus on health, justice, and inclusive opportunities for all.

Women are also increasingly engaging in philanthropy beyond writing checks. As donors, volunteers, and leaders, women are using their voices and resources to advocate for solutions and support organizations creating meaningful change.

One growing trend is the rise of collaborative giving models, such as giving circles. These groups bring people together to learn about community needs, pool their resources, and collectively decide where to invest their charitable dollars. Research shows these models help donors feel more connected to the impact of their giving and deepen their engagement with the causes they care about.

In Black Hawk County, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Women for Good program is an example of this collaborative approach in action. Women for Good brings together local women who care about the well-being of women and girls in our community and want to make a meaningful difference.

Through the program, members learn about the issues facing women and girls locally and support nonprofits working toward solutions. Their collective giving has already made a significant impact. Since the Women’s Fund was established through a generous gift from local philanthropist Pauline Barrett, Women for Good members have recommended more than $250,000 in grants to organizations serving women and girls in Black Hawk County.

Most recently, in 2025, Women for Good members recommended $50,000 in grants from the Women’s Fund to support organizations in Black Hawk County serving women and girls.

Programs like Women for Good demonstrate the power of women coming together around shared values. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and amplifying one another’s voices, women are strengthening nonprofit organizations and investing in solutions that create opportunity for future generations.

Women’s and girls’ issues remain a barrier in our local communities. According to recent American Community Survey data, females ages 18–24 represent the largest demographic living in poverty in Black Hawk County, highlighting the continued challenges facing young women as they transition into adulthood.

Research continues to show that when women engage in philanthropy, they often bring a collaborative, community-focused perspective that prioritizes long-term impact. As women’s leadership and influence in philanthropy grows, so does the potential to address complex challenges and improve the well-being of communities.

The continued success of women’s funds and giving groups reflects a simple but powerful idea: when women support women, communities grow stronger.

Women across the country, and right here in Northeast Iowa, are stepping forward as philanthropists, leaders, and advocates. Through initiatives like Women for Good, they are demonstrating how collective generosity can create lasting change for women, girls, and families throughout our region.