Women will help shape the future of philanthropy

Judith Fiander

The face of charitable giving in Australia is undergoing a seismic shift as women increasingly take the lead in philanthropy, Judith Fiander, chief executive officer at Australian Philanthropic Services (APS), says.

“We are seeing a shift where women are not just inheriting wealth but using it to make a real difference, and this trend will accelerate as the next generation steps up, fundamentally reshaping the future of charitable giving,” Ms Fiander says.

“We are witnessing a profound transformation in philanthropy. Women are making strategic decisions about how to use their wealth for the greater good. This will only increase in the coming years as the next generation, who have different interests and priorities, inherits wealth.”

The intergenerational wealth transfer currently underway in Australia is predicted to see women inherit and control unprecedented financial assets in the coming years.

Ms Fiander expects this to fuel a surge in female-led philanthropy.

“With women set to set to inherit $3.2 trillion, or two-thirds of Australia’s largest ever intergenerational wealth transfer, their ability to create change will continue to grow,” Ms Fiander said. “And we know that over the past decade, women have given a greater percentage of their income.”

“There is an increasing number of women establishing structured giving vehicles such as Private Ancillary Funds and named giving funds. They want their philanthropy to be intentional, sustainable, and impactful. APS is here to provide the expertise and support to make that happen.”

APS is committed to growing philanthropy by empowering its clients to support the causes that are important them. Women give to a variety of causes across the spectrum but are likely to apply a gender lens across whatever issue they are supporting, creating social change. By acknowledging women’s leadership and economic independence, and alongside sector partners such as the SheGives initiative and Australians Investing in Women (AIIW), APS helps women direct their resources towards causes that matter to them.

“International Women’s Day, and every day, is a timely moment to recognise and celebrate the impact of women philanthropists and to encourage more women to consider how they can give tax effectively now through a structure, and leave a legacy for future generations.” Ms Fiander says.