As described above, women have long been involved in philanthropy as donors, professionals, fundraisers, and volunteers. Women throughout history have contributed to the well-being and improvement of their communities in various ways.

As Donors:

Although women do not make up the majority of the country’s biggest donors, they are notable in their numbers on the list each year. Below is a list of the women (single women, not part of a donor couple) who made the list of the biggest donors for the last four years (their ranking on the list is indicated).

• 2007 – 8 women: Barbara Dodd Anderson (#13), Ann Lurie (#15), Jane Anne Nohl (#30), Hope Bartnett Beloc (#31), Oprah Winfrey (#36), Shelby White (#40), Betty Engelstad (#44), Lillian Garner (#50).
• 2006 – 4 women: Mary Joan Palevsky (#8), Oprah Winfrey (#36), Eugenia Dodson (#52), Jeannik Mequet Littlefield (#54).
• 2005 – 7 women: Cordelia Scaife May (#1), Josephine F. Ford (#13), Oprah Winfrey (#22), Helen Snell Cheel (#23), Barbara Barrow Jacobs (#26), Madeleine T. Schneider (#30), Lois Bates Acheson (#55).
• 2004 – 10 women: Susan T. Buffett (#2), Caroline Wiess Law (#4), Sally Reahard (#16), Oprah Winfrey (#24), Darla Moore (#25), Ida Belle Young (#47), Louise Wheelock Willson (#50), Helen Way Klingler (#57), Ruth L. Kilton (#59), Valeria Harris Symington (#59).

The University of Tennessee Alliance of Women Philanthropists studies the ways in which male and female philanthropists differ. The Alliance concluded that more women than men give to charity. In 1996, the Alliance states, 71 percent of women gave to nonprofit organizations, compared to 65 percent of men. Women also gave a larger portion of their income to philanthropy; although as a group women earned 75 percent of men's total income, women's overall contribution to charity was 93 percent of men's.

Additionally, the Women's Philanthropy Institute found that "women frequently give money to launch programs and to those they view as bringing about social change" whereas men tend to give to organizations where they feel a loyalty, such as their alma mater.

As Professionals:

• In corporations directing and managing corporate philanthropy
• In nonprofits influencing change and advancement and as fundraisers
• In foundations serving as directors and making granting decisions  

The Council on Foundations reported that in 1982, women headed slightly more than one-quarter of the country’s foundations. By 1999, that number had increased to 52 percent. The number of women who held program officer positions at foundations also increased during this period, from 51 percent in 1982 to 70 percent in 1999.

As Volunteers:

As a rule, women get involved with organizations that they feel an emotional connection to and whose mission and effectiveness they can support. Often times, women will become active volunteers at an organization before making their gift and once they have made their gift, stay involved in that organization.

Women have shown that they are dedicated to their communities, their causes and the organizations in which they believe. There role of women in philanthropy, in all parts that they play, will certainly continue to grow and be a significant influence in the future.