How Women Are Shaping the Future of Philanthropy in Central Texas

March 30, 2026

At Austin Community Foundation, we’re honored to work with hundreds of individuals, families, and businesses who support a wide range of charitable causes. The generosity and commitment we see across generations and backgrounds inspire our team every day—and increasingly, women are playing a leading role in shaping that impact.

As we close out Women’s History Month, it’s an especially relevant moment to reflect on the evolving role of women in philanthropy. Across the country and here in Central Texas, women are taking on greater influence in charitable giving, both as financial decision-makers and as leaders driving meaningful community impact. According to research from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, more women than ever are serving as primary financial decision-makers in their household. That shift is transforming how philanthropy happens, from what causes are prioritized to how giving strategies are developed.

The Changing Role of Women in Philanthropy

This shift is happening in a variety of ways:

• In many families, as the study indicates, a leadership shift happens gradually. For example, a daughter becomes more engaged over the years in conversations about the family’s charitable giving. Or a spouse who once deferred philanthropic decisions begins to shape priorities more directly.
• In other cases, according to the research, the transition is sudden and deeply personal—often following the death of a spouse or parent—when a woman assumes sole responsibility for stewarding both financial assets and charitable intent.
• In many cases, women are building wealth through their own careers or entrepreneurial ventures and bringing a deeply personal approach to philanthropy. For example, a business owner who has grown a successful company may establish giving priorities that reflect her values, lived experiences, and the communities that supported her along the way.
• Other women are emerging as philanthropic leaders through professional success in fields such as medicine, law, technology, or finance. As primary earners, they are proactively shaping charitable strategies—often seeking to align their giving with both personal passions and measurable community impact.
• A growing number of next-generation women are also creating wealth earlier in life and choosing to engage in philanthropy sooner. Whether through startups, investments, or leadership roles, they are not only contributing financially but also bringing fresh perspectives, collaborative approaches, and a strong desire to see tangible results from their giving.

For professional advisors working with clients who reflect these trends, there is a meaningful opportunity to support thoughtful, values-driven giving—helping ensure charitable strategies evolve alongside clients’ lives, values, and goals.

Women Transforming Philanthropy in Central Texas

These national trends are already visible in Central Texas. Last fall, Austin Community Foundation hosted Women Transforming Philanthropy, a special event that brought together local leaders to explore how women are shaping the future of charitable giving in Austin. The conversation highlighted the many ways women are influencing philanthropy—through their careers, their values, and their leadership in the community.

The event also explored the “Great Wealth Transfer” and what it means for the future of philanthropy, as more wealth is expected to be controlled by women in the coming decades. Just as importantly, the evening created space for connection, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring attendees to think more intentionally about their own role in giving.

Key Trends in Women’s Charitable Giving

As women continue to take on more prominent roles in philanthropy, several key trends are emerging:

• Consistent and resilient giving. Research shows that women—especially single women—tend to maintain more consistent charitable giving patterns over time. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, many remain committed to supporting the causes they care about, reflecting a deep, values-driven approach to philanthropy.
• Growing support for women and girls. Giving to organizations that support women and girls has reached new levels in recent years. At ACF, we’ve seen this momentum locally. Participation in our Women’s Fund grants committee grew 31% in 2025. Established in 2004, the Women’s Fund continues to be a cornerstone of our work—learn more about this signature program. This growing investment highlights increased awareness, while also underscoring the need for continued support to address ongoing challenges and inequities.
• A broader definition of philanthropy. Today, philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions. Many people are engaging through volunteering, advocacy, and community leadership. This more holistic approach often leads to deeper, more meaningful connections to causes—and is a defining characteristic of how many women approach giving.
• Purpose-driven, personalized strategies. Every philanthropic journey is unique. Many women approach charitable giving with a clear sense of purpose, aligning their time, talent, and resources with the issues that matter most to them and the impact they want to see in their communities.

Building a More Generous Central Texas

There’s no single “right” way to give. What matters most is finding meaningful ways to connect your resources—whether time, talent, or financial support—to the causes you care about.

At Austin Community Foundation, we’re proud to support individuals and families at every stage of their philanthropic journey. If you’re inspired to get involved or want to explore how to align your giving with what matters most, we’d love to connect.

For professional advisors supporting clients on their philanthropic journey, we’re here to be a trusted resource. Reach out to Stephanie Sessa CAP®, Senior Donor Relations Officer, at ssessa@austincf.org to start a conversation.