Do women “do good” better than men?

Who’s more philanthropic—women or men? If you guessed women, you’re still correct. Research from Indiana University’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute shows that women are more likely than men to give, and—when they give—women often give a larger share of their income and across more causes than men.

Beyond direct donations, women’s choices as consumers can amplify their philanthropic impact. Today’s buyers increasingly reward brands that act on social purpose, which means everyday purchases can steer meaningful dollars toward good causes. For a broad, data-rich view of how value-driven expectations shape buying behavior and reputation, see the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer (Global Report), which tracks how purpose and trust influence consumer and stakeholder decisions worldwide.

Indeed, the latest Giving USA report confirms that philanthropy remains robust. According to Giving USA 2025: Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2024, Americans donated an estimated $592.50 billion in 2024, up 6.3% in current dollars (3.3% after inflation)—a new high in nominal terms, reflecting broad resilience in giving even amid economic cross-currents.

So how do women figure into this picture? WPI’s research indicates women are more likely to donate than men and tend to give to a wider array of causes, patterns observed across multiple data sets and demographics (including single-headed households). Those findings are summarized here: Do Women Give More? and in WPI’s gender-and-giving overview linked above—useful references if you want to understand why women are frequently the engine of household philanthropy.

Whether through charitable gifts or purpose-aligned purchases, women’s decisions move real resources to the causes they value. With national giving at record nominal levels and consumer expectations leaning into authentic purpose, it’s an ideal moment to help women (and the families they influence) connect values to action—in their giving plans and at the checkout line—so their impact is both intentional and sustained.