The History of Women in Philanthropy

Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life – a kind of destiny. -Diana, Princess of Wales.

Princess Diana

When Princess Diana died on August 31 1997, she left behind her a legacy of tireless humanitarian effort and a heartfelt commitment to doing what it took to draw attention to some of the world’s most virulent crises.

As one of the most prominent women in philanthropy the world has ever known, the Princess served as either President or dedicated contributor to more than 100 charities, and toward the end of her life her passion for AIDS and her crusade to help the victims of land mines were an integral part of her public persona.

During the late 80s, at a time when AIDs was still believed to be contagious and spread through casual contact, Diana could be seen throughout the media touching and even holding victims of HIV/Aids; her selfless desire to see those afflicted with the dreaded disease treated with compassion went a long way toward helping to remove the stigma that HIV/Aids carried with it.

We started our foundation because we believe we have a real opportunity to help advance equity around the world, to help make sure that, no matter where a person is born, he or she has the chance to live a healthy, productive life. -Melinda French Gates

Melinda Gates

As a businesswoman, mother and wife to the richest man in the world, one imagines Melinda Gates’ life to be one of missions, milestones and frenetic activity. Together, Melinda and husband Bill Gates founded their organization The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and have dedicated themselves to engineering effective and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most devastating social issues.

From a commitment to eradicating preventable disease such as polio in third world countries to initiating the development of a toilet that works without plumbing in order to address the devastating human waste issues that cripple some of the world’s poorest and most remote communities, Melinda is one of the women in philanthropy who is a relentless crusader in her fight to make the world a more equitable place.

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. -Mother Teresa

Mother Theresa

One can hardly mention women in philanthropy without thoughts of Mother Teresa coming to mind; until her death in 1997 Mother Teresa was one of the world’s most tireless heroes, with her incredible spirit and her utter dedication to serving the needs of others.

In 1950 she formed the Missionaries of Charity with a total of 12 members, including some of her former students and the organization dedicated itself to providing food and care to the millions of poor in India and above all fought to establish dignity for those who were diseased and dying.

Mother Teresa was one of the greatest women in philanthropy the world has ever known and she dedicated her life to easing the suffering of those that the world had rejected.

While these are just a few of the best-known women in philanthropy, the world is full of heroic women willing to dedicate themselves to raising the bar and holding the world accountable for the devastating yet needless suffering throughout the world.