Our Research
Women in Philanthropy
Women in Philanthropy is a project that addresses women’s giving in Canada and aims to build a field of research along with practical tools for women beginning or continuing their philanthropy. The project goals are to:
- Facilitate mutual learning among women philanthropists and changemakers of different generations and communities.
- Understand the different paths women are taking in their philanthropy and share lessons that will be of value to others.
- Develop current and future research capacity and expertise on women in philanthropy by increasing the number of Canadian scholars engaged in this research.
- Advance thought leadership and broader awareness of women in philanthropy through communication with wider audiences.
This research will be conducted in several stages beginning in 2025. To stay up to date on the project’s progress, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Call for Participants
Women in Philanthropy is now conducting phase one of our research on ‘Women as Philanthropists’. Throughout Fall and Winter, we are interviewing women about their experiences as donors, their values and interests, and their advice to women beginning their philanthropic journeys.
If you are interested in being interviewed or to connect with us about our research, please email us at wip@carleton.ca.
Research Updates
This project is currently in its first year of research. In addition to the first round of interviews, we are conducting literature reviews on the history of women’s philanthropy in Canada and women in the contemporary sector, while considering the different forms of philanthropy and causes taken up by women in Canada. Our approach to research is inclusive, building on intersectional frameworks as we seek opportunities to collaborate and connect with people interested and involved in the sector.
Roundtable Discussions
Beginning in June 2025, the Women in Philanthropy project has been hosting gatherings of women involved in aspects of the nonprofit sector. The result has been generative discussions that offer a space for women to share experiences and ideas. We continue to host these discussions through Fall and Winter.
View the reports:
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable One Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Two Report
Publications, Conferences, and Presentations
Trefzger Clarke, L., & Norris, A. (in press). [Review of the book The Uprising of Women in Philanthropy, by N. Bofu-Tawamba, R. Bright, S. Clohesy, C. Grumm, M. Kanyoro, H. LaKelly Hunt, A. Oliveira, L. Risimini, J. Sloane, & J. Tomlin]. Voluntas.
Trefzger Clarke, L. (2025, September 19). Women in Philanthropy [Conference presentation]. AFP TOgather Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada. https://www.afptogather.ca/
Women in Philanthropy in the Conversation
October 24, 2025
Philanthropic Habits of Canadian Women to be the Topic of New Research at Carleton – Canadian Family Offices
July 15, 2025
Celebrating Philanthropy Event Discusses Chair in Philanthropy – Centre for Philanthropy and Civil Society
June 19, 2025
Lisa Trefzger Clarke Ramps Up the “Women in Development” Initiative – PANL Perspectives
Want to talk to us about our research? Contact us at WiP@carleton.ca.