Women in Philanthropy Initiative promotes involvement
By Jennifer Shutt Bowie

A dedicated group of volunteers seeks to expand the circle of women who contribute time, talent and treasure to Ohio University.

Women in Philanthropy Chair Barbara Strom Thompson, AB ’76, says the group welcomes the involvement of other women who want to be an influential force for their alma mater.

“We’re going to foster a powerful tradition of giving among Ohio University alumnae,” Thompson says. “The alumnae we’ve talked with are interested in getting involved by creating new programs or helping existing ones reach new levels of excellence. They want to give time and interact with students as well as write checks.”
That is an important difference between traditional donors and the new generation of givers: They expect more involvement in the causes they support. And women, who control an increasing amount of America’s wealth, are no exception.

“Research shows that women support the causes they care about yet rarely think of themselves as philanthropists,” Thompson says. “We want to encourage women to be strategic about their giving, no matter how large or small the dollars. We’re convinced that when we educate others about the excellence at Ohio University, they’ll want to join us.”

Toward that end, Women in Philanthropy will promote financial literacy, philanthropic education, advocacy and leadership while involving women as University volunteers.

The group plans to educate students about philanthropy as well. The group supports the Community Service Leadership Council’s Student Community Outreach Resource Endowment (SCORE) grants program, which teaches students the importance of giving through community service.

“Our mission charges us to train the next generation of Ohio University philanthropists. We’re also committed to providing support to the region surrounding Ohio University, which these community service projects will do,” Thompson says. “This project will directly affect the advocacy and leadership skills of our students.”
Ultimately, Thompson says, the message is that giving goes beyond mailing a check.

“We want all alumni to think of giving in a variety of ways, including providing internships and job referrals, recruiting top-notch students and helping the University gain recognition nationally,” she says.
It’s the commitment, not the contribution, that matters most, she says.

“There’s no required income level to be a philanthropist. The $10 gift from a recent graduate is especially treasured, because it’s a reflection of the loyalty of our alumni.”

Jennifer Shutt Bowie, BSJ ’94 and MS ’99, is director of annual giving for Ohio University.