Susan McPherson and Sloane Davidson's presentation at the WomenLeading Philanthropy Symposium on April 3, 2014 in Chicago. Tips and tools to ensure the success of women's philanthropy going forward.

1. #WOMENLEADING PHILANTHROPY
SUMMIT
Susan McPherson
CEO, McPherson Strategies
@susanmcp1
SloaneDavidson
Founder, Farsight Media
@sloane

2. Is women’s philanthropy on the path to
a successful future?

3. What You Said
There’s a lack of collaboration or sharing
best practices; [women’s philanthropy]
still seems small and fragmented
More big companies are
thinking about investments in
women as a strategy for
business success. Hopefully
this will continue a trend
towards BOLDness.
The problem? Silo'ing, lack of
meaningful partnerships,
duplicating efforts/wasting
resources.
There’s still too much duplication. The
same voices are being given the stage
at the major/key events.
We need programs that are about
outcomes, not just about the
branding and marketing.

4. YES. If…
● We embrace strategic collaboration
● We tell data-driven stories
● We harness fearlessness
● We leverage our assets as women
leaders

5. NO. If…
● We look at each other as competition
● We stay in silos
● We lack confidence
● We maintain status quos
● We don’t ask for concrete returns on
our investments

6. COLLABORATION
Success in philanthropy lies in the ability to co-create effective strategies.
WOMEN’S WORLD
BANKING: GLOBAL
NETWORK
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CENTER &
BELLFLOWER
CENTER FOR
PREVENTION OF
CHILD ABUSE:
MERGER
KIVA & VITTANA:
PARTNERSHIP
BRIGHT PINK +
NBA:
NON-TRADITIONAL
SPONSORSHIP

7. DATA-DRIVEN STORYTELLING
Compelling data + poignant storytelling = the single most effective way to reach
people.
TOSTAN:
INTERNATIONAL
HUMAN RIGHTS
DAY FILMS WITH
SKOLL &
SUNDANCE
INSTITUTE
GRAMEEN
FOUNDATION:
PERSONAL
STORIES
INTEGRATED
WITH DATA
POINTS
NIKE
FOUNDATION:
GIRL EFFECT
ROBERT WOOD
JOHNSON
FOUNDATION:
UNDERSTANDING
HEALTH DATA

8. HARNESS FEARLESSNESS
“In the philanthropic sector, people don't focus enough on failure.” -Steve Case

9. LEVERAGE ASSETS
People are finally realizing women are a force in philanthropy.
LARGER NETWORKS LEADING WITH
EMPATHY
WORKING ACROSS
TEAMS; HOLISTIC
VISION

10. LET’S TALK.
#womenleading Philanthropy