Meet the 15 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Philanthropy

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patricia Harris, NoVo Foundation President Jennifer Buffett and Simons Foundation President Marilyn Simons are among those on Inside Philanthropy's list of the 15 most powerful women in U.S. philanthropy.

Women are a fast-rising force in philanthropy. More women are making their own fortunes than ever before and women are also exercising growing leadership in family philanthropy, shaping how wealth made by spouses or earlier generations is given away. Women are also emerging as the top networkers and catalysts in modern philanthropy, bringing people together to mobilize huge resources for different causes.

Too often, though, the quiet power of women philanthropic leaders is overlooked. Again and again, famous rich men are afforded the lion's share of the credit for big gifts or initiatives actually masterminded by their wives or daughters. Meanwhile, some of the most influential networkers in philanthropy operate well outside the limelight...