Katherine Swank
CharitablePlanning.com Author
Biography
With more than 25 years of legal and nonprofit management experience, Katherine Swank has raised approximately $215 million for national healthcare and public broadcasting organizations, as well as an independent law school. Prior to joining Target Analytics, a division of Blackbaud, Inc., in May 2007, Ms. Swank was the national director of gift planning at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she provided fundraising consulting services to the Society’s chapter leadership. She is a retired member of the Arizona State Bar and former affiliate faculty member of Regis University’s master of nonprofit management degree program in Denver, Colorado, here she taught courses on wealth and philanthropy for over 10 years and is a frequent speaker and authors industry white papers on the same topics. She holds an independent studies degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a law degree from the Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa.
What Women Want: Understanding the Needs and Objectives of Women's Philanthropic Giving, Including Planned Gifts-
Women are increasingly impacting fundraising efforts in the U.S.; however, their philanthropic objectives can differ significantly from men. Women tend to focus on specific sectors and want greater accountability for their gifts. On the whole, women want to create new solutions, seek more contact and control, and be kept informed of the results from their giving. Many also seek social networks within the organizations that interest them. If women are among your majority donors, you may need to change the way you speak with them, start listening for their direction, and embrace a 'gender slanted' approach. Read this article to learn more.