Philanthropy is witnessing a transformation led by women changemakers who are shaping the sector with empathy, inclusivity, and a focus on systemic impact. Women across the globe, including those within LivingMyPromise (LMP), are redefining how wealth is used to address pressing social challenges, breaking barriers in a field historically dominated by men. Importantly, giving is universal—anyone, regardless of amount of wealth, can contribute to making a difference.
The Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, echoing the thought, provides a powerful showcase of women who are transforming India’s philanthropic landscape. Women in the Hurun list also lead in a variety of cause areas that reflect the depth and breadth of their philanthropic commitments. For example, enlisted Archana Chandra, CEO of the Jai Vakeel Foundation and an LMP Promisor, has donated significantly to support children with intellectual disabilities.
Women Promisors in LivingMyPromise
LivingMyPromise, an initiative encouraging Indians with a net worth of ₹1 crore or more to commit 50% or more of their wealth to philanthropy, celebrates the contributions of remarkable women. Take Madhura DasGupta Sinha, founder of AspireForHer, whose philanthropy aligns with her vision of empowering women to break professional barriers. Nirmala Mehendale, a passionate advocate for promoting kindness and emotional health, has committed her wealth to drive change in critical areas like education and mental health. Bharati Dasgupta, the senior-most and one of the early signatories of the LMP community, embodies the spirit of lifelong commitment to giving, focusing her efforts on child welfare and institutional care reform.
Women in the LMP community often prioritize issues like gender equity, education for girls, healthcare with a focus on mental health, and environmental conservation. The work of women in philanthropy also underscores a more inclusive, compassionate approach to addressing systemic challenges. In contrast, men’s philanthropy sometimes leans more toward infrastructure, technology, or large-scale policy initiatives, underscoring the complementary approaches that both genders bring to philanthropy.
Women Leading Global Philanthropy
Globally, women like Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott are trailblazing examples of transformative giving. Melinda Gates has committed over $50 billion through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health and gender equality. She emphasizes that empowering women and girls is essential to solving many of the world’s most pressing challenges.
MacKenzie Scott, on the other hand, has redefined the practice of philanthropy by giving more than $14 billion to over 1,600 organizations in less than three years. Her “no-strings-attached” model trusts nonprofits to make decisions that best serve their communities, showcasing the power of unrestricted giving to create deep and lasting impact. This model has inspired many philanthropists and organizations worldwide, including the LMP Freedom Fund. Much like Scott’s approach, the LMP Freedom Fund allows NGOs to access unrestricted funding, empowering them to invest in organizational development without worrying about administrative hurdles or the threat of bankruptcy. This funding model supports the scalability of NGOs, allowing them to focus entirely on their chosen cause areas and maximize their impact on the ground.
Facts and Figures: Women in Philanthropy
As of the 2024 EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List, women now account for 8% of the total philanthropic donations in India, a notable rise from previous years. With 21 women philanthropists collectively donating INR 724 crore, this highlights the growing influence of women in India’s philanthropic landscape. Additionally, women tend to give a higher percentage of their wealth compared to men, as highlighted in the Global Philanthropy Report by Harvard University. These numbers reflect their growing influence in the philanthropic sector and their focus on underserved communities.
Read the Hurun Philanthropy List 2024 here.
Explore the Global Philanthropy Report here.
Women’s philanthropy is characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a focus on long-term impact. Their giving style often emphasizes community engagement and grassroots change, ensuring that resources reach the most marginalized groups. This human-centered approach not only expands the scope of philanthropy but also sets a standard for inclusive and sustainable change.
LMP: A Platform for Women to Lead Change
LivingMyPromise is a powerful platform for women to formalize their giving and amplify their impact. It provides a supportive community for philanthropists to connect with like-minded individuals, share their journeys, and inspire others. For women, LMP offers an opportunity to follow their hearts, commit to causes they care about, and create a legacy of compassion and empowerment. One of the most inspiring lessons from LMP and beyond is that philanthropy is not limited to billionaires. Giving is universal and deeply personal—whether it’s time, money, or expertise, anyone can contribute. Initiatives like LMP provide a formal structure for individuals with moderate wealth to make meaningful pledges, proving that small actions can create significant societal change.
Women in philanthropy are shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate world. Whether it’s through global icons like Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Scott or changemakers like Nirmala Mehendale and Bharati Dasgupta within LMP, their contributions demonstrate the profound impact of purposeful giving. As more women lead with heart and vision, they inspire others to join the movement, proving that giving is universal and transformative for society at large.