On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the care, strength, and support given by mothers and mother figures of all kinds. Those who lead, nurture and give so generously to the people and communities around them.
Women often shoulder a remarkable share of emotional, social, and practical leadership within their families. As planners, organisers, caregivers, listeners and connectors they keep life running smoothly. Beyond their families, many women play pivotal roles in strengthening their communities through volunteering, coordinating support networks and advocating for change. Women’s contributions are often the backbone of schools, neighbourhoods and community organisations, but are not often acknowledged or visible.
How women give
Research shows women express their generosity differently and more expansively than men.
Studies from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at Indiana University show that women are more likely to give than men, and when they give, they tend to give more. According to She Gives: Growing Women’s Giving in Australia, at least 60% of women living with a partner say they always or usually make the giving decisions in their household.
Key insights into women’s giving include:
- Women support a wider range of causes than men, often distributing their giving across multiple organisations that work together to strengthen communities. They are less likely to look for ‘silver bullet’ solutions.
- Women usually make philanthropic decisions independently from their partner.
- Women often give generously through volunteering, as anyone who has attended a PTA meeting or sports fundraiser will know.
- Women’s giving adapts to social context, responding to political events prioritising social justice, inclusivity, and health-related causes.
- Women value communication about impact and enjoy opportunities to connect directly with recipients and fellow donors.
- Women lead collaborative giving models, such as ‘giving circles’ where donors pool funds and decide together how to allocate support.
In New Zealand, giving circles are almost exclusively female-led, says Eleanor Cater, CEO of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, with many focused on empowering community-led change and supporting women’s causes.
“Women-led giving circles reflect a quieter but deeply effective approach to philanthropy. They are grounded in trust, shared learning, and a desire to respond to community need, rather than impose solutions.”
- Despite their impact, Women’s giving is under-recognised. The She Gives report recommends elevating the visibility of women’s giving to strengthen participation and grow impact.
Visibility and support matters
Recognising women’s giving goes beyond deserved acknowledgement. When women’s leadership in philanthropy is understood and valued, philanthropic and investment structures can better reflect how many women make decisions: collaboratively, values-led and with a long-term view of community impact.
Arron Perriam, Director, Philanthropy & Intergenerational Wealth at Craigs Investment Partners, says the overseas research rings true for New Zealand:
“In the philanthropy sector we see time and again women giving with care, insight, and attention – looking beyond a single cause to the people and communities behind it. Their generosity is thoughtful, values-led, and often transformational.”
How Craigs supports you
At Craigs, we believe investing can be more than financial returns. It can also help create lasting impact for the communities we live and work in. Philanthropy is part of who we are, and we are proud to stand alongside clients, partners, and organisations making a difference across New Zealand.
Whether you are just starting your philanthropic journey or looking to grow your giving, Craigs can help you create a legacy that reflects your values and goals.
Our trusted advisers can help you plan your investments and your giving in a way that is structured, sustainable, and aligned with your wider wealth and estate goals.
Find out more about philanthropy in New Zealand and how Craigs can help you invest and give with purpose.
Craigs is a proud partner of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Market Insights enewsletter
Keep up to date with our fortnightly Market Insights enewsletter. Our research team provide timely and regular commentary and analysis on market developments, understanding investment jargon, and the impact of current events.