Women

February 19, 2013; Source: Indiana University

In a press release yesterday, the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) School of Philanthropy announced the endowment of the Eileen Lamb O’Gara chair in women’s philanthropy, made possible through a gift from Maureen and Jim Hackett. The gift will support research on gender differences in giving. “Women have long been leaders—often unsung leaders—in philanthropy,” Maureen Hackett said. “Today, women’s philanthropy is more visible, more prolific and more powerful than ever before. Our understanding of it must equal its strength in order to achieve philanthropy’s full potential to change the world.”

According to IUPUI, in the past, the Hacketts have involved themselves in “mental health care advocacy, children’s health, Catholic education, and youth development, among other causes, and [they have given] generously of their time, resources and skills.” Maureen Hackett, whose mother’s name is being honored, has volunteered since she was 14.

“Women are leading in philanthropy in vibrant, dynamic ways, yet too little is known about why and how women give and volunteer,” said Debra Mesch, director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the School of Philanthropy. “Men and women each bring important, distinctive perspectives and strengths to philanthropy. This wonderful gift will elevate awareness and understanding of women’s philanthropy and enable the School and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute to provide new knowledge for donors and nonprofit professionals so they can make a transformational difference in the causes they care about around the world.” –Ruth McCambridge