Praise for Women, Wealth, and Giving

To begin with, this is an intelligent book – no small praise in the growing pantheon of efforts to explain philanthropy. While the idea of giving money to worthy causes will probably always be linked to words like “goodness” and “altruism,” it often doesn’t survive a critical analysis, particularly among those not intimately linked to nonprofits, because the feelings, mushy on their own, are usually unconnected to useful or concrete motivators. Which is, in its way, an irony of Women, Wealth, and Giving. Its main message circles around values and feelings, and yet it conveys concrete ways for women to make the most of who they are to help society. Margaret May Damen and Niki Nicastro McCuistion, in a way most current writers of philanthropy and the nonprofit world do not or cannot, have merged underlying passions with an intellectual authority to explain why women need to see themselves as donors separate from men.

That authority is partly why the book is a delight to read. Here is a sample sentence (in a section describing the “scarcity myth”): “For many women, the emotional paralysis of the heart keeps the pocketbook locked even as the spirit of abundance dances all around it.” I read that – and several other passages – more than once to allow an idea to seep in that a single reading would deny.

But less would not have worked. The authors’ whole thesis is that for women to serve society meaningfully they must use their extraordinary and, unfortunately, unique traits. That’s a tall order, and they fill it. By the way, it is not only my opinion, or only theirs, that women’s traits – a sense of understanding and a need for community, among others – are unique; they call upon an abundance of research to make their case; i.e., “Our sense of ourselves is defined by our sameness to one another, compared to the male identity which is formed by its difference from the other.” That comes from Marilyn Wechter, a wealth counselor and psychotherapist, who is one of many resources called upon in this book. Yet while it relies on many statistics, a few charts, and outside interpretations of the process of giving among women, this book – as you can see – goes well past dry data. A lot is said in these pages. All of it is relevant.

Which is why men must read this book too. While the authors implore women to unleash locked up (or hidden or dormant) energy, passion and talent, men, when you think of it, need to do the same thing. For this, as I read it, is not a call for women to be more like men in their giving – it is a call for a better society through better philanthropy. Men would do well to heed the same advice. In that quest, men might start out handicapped (mistakenly thinking (my opinion), for example, that “results-oriented” and “efficiencies” are only two of the more predominant generators of better giving), but there is hope – and Women, Wealth, and Giving, is just the place to find it.

– Douglas E. White
President & CEO of Charities Today
Co-editor-in-chief of Giving Magazine.
Author of “The Art of Planned Giving: Understanding Donors and the Culture of Giving (Wiley & Sons)

“Damen and McCuistion hit the nail on the head with this provocative book that challenges boomer women to connect to their inner core values, open their hearts and then put their money where their hearts are. Women do have the power, both financially and politically, to lead us out  of these dark times and into a new culture based on loving, caring and sharing. Women, Wealth, and Giving is a wonderful guide book to help all women, no matter what their financial situation, to find their path to becoming leaders, healers and creators of a bright new world.”
-Barbara Wilder, author of Money is Love: Reconnecting to the Sacred Origins of Money, Embracing Your Power Woman, and Power Woman Magic-The Play

“Women, Wealth and Giving provides valuable insights about philanthropy that are refreshingly embedded in an historic context. Arming the reader with an arsenal of practical information, Niki and Margaret illustrate how the “power of the purse” can have a profound impact on our economy and our cultural values, as well as help define the “new spirit in America.” A book that provides this kind of inspiration about the powerful potential of giving should be required reading for members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and any other organization in a position to pave the way for informed, innovative giving.”
-Pam Gerber, Executive Director, Entrepreneurs Foundation of North Texas

“Forty-three million boomer woman have been pioneers in their own right since the 60s. They’re all grown up and desiring more than ever to contribute as mentors and volunteers. They also have financial wealth to share. The authors capture the philanthropic hearts of this spirited generation of women who yearn to make a difference in the lives of others by leaving a legacy that will speak for generations to come.”
-Dotsie Bregel, Founder, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, www.NABBW.com

“I’m reminded of the many decades of medical research, conducted on male subjects, but assumed to apply equally to women. Margaret May Damen and Niki Nicastro McCuistion demonstrate that women have a unique perspective on legacy and giving, different than that traditionally defined by the actions of men. Our hearts may be in the same place anatomically, but the passions that inspire us are distinct. The authors guide women toward a very personal understanding of their values and potential as philanthropists.”
-Tanya Howe Johnson, President and CEO, Partnership for Philanthropic Planning

“Women, Wealth and Giving is an inspirational must-have book! If you want to explore how your talents, values, and emotions can be guided, shaped, and created into significant contributions for your family, friends, community, and yourself, buy this book. It enlightens, informs, and empowers you to realize your unique talents and gifts – a powerful book that is truly a personal journey of discovery and transformation.”
-Sherron Long, President, Creating Executive Options Inc.

“Women, Wealth, and Giving will be of interest to any financial advisor or fundraiser who works with women or with couples, particularly Boomers, around their giving. The book gets to “the heart of the matter.” It would make a great present for key donors or clients. ”
-Philip Cubeta, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, CAP, Sallie B. and William B. Wallace Chair of Philanthropy, The American College

“Women, Wealth and Giving demonstrates how women can move from home and community and deploy their wealth and their hearts in a time compassionate leadership is desperately needed. Every generation faces its own urgent issues, but rarely in human history have we been on the precipice of irreparable harm to things as large as the world’s environment or as local as the loss of civility and caring for the overwhelmed. Margaret and Niki put forth a call for – and the means to achieve – a more harmonious world, “… healing a world crying for serenity and salvation.”
-Richard M. Weber, MBA, CLU, AEP®, President – The Ethical Edge, Inc.

“Some people have jobs. Some have careers. And then there are those who have callings. Niki Nicastro McCuistion and Margaret May Damen have a calling to share their love and passion about the joys of philanthropy with others. What makes their sharing so profound is that they come from it with their breadth of experience as fundraisers, donor, financial planner, story teller, wife, mother, daughter and recipient. You will be fascinated, inspired and moved to action by their stories.”
-Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Author of Raising Charitable Children and Transforming Ordinary People in Fundraising Superheroes

“Women as Donors, Women as Philanthropists “Women Wealth and Giving is much more than a book on philanthropy. It reaches to the soul and addresses life’s purpose. Women at every stage of life will find this book both fascinating and rewarding.”
-G. Roger Schoenhals, Founder and Editor, Planned Giving Today®

“This book speaks right to the heart of every Baby Boomer, women and men too, by reminding us of why we are here and what sort of legacy we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. Speaking to women in the middle stage of life, Margaret and Niki remind us of the real wealth, spiritual, intellectual and financial, that we have to share with others. Their book will help many women to find their “voice and place” in this 21st century world. It will help us all to become active participants in change for good. Women long to make a difference with their wealth and talents and this book shows us a path towards that difference.”
-Abbie J von Schlegell, Editor,

“From the beginning of time to now, women have been givers. The generosity of women coupled with influence, intellect and insight is a force that propels societal transformation and advancement. The “women effect” is another gradation upon which to build “compassion in action.”
-Thelma Morris-Lindsey, Founding Director, Earning By Learning

“Margaret and Niki take the reader on a transformative journey. If you are a boomer woman, you will feel empowered to take up the mantle of philanthropy with vigor and purpose. If you are a development officer, you will more successfully tap this rich and growing universe of donors. Don’t even think of targeting the generation of boomer women for fund raising until you have read this book.”
-Debra Ashton, Author, The Complete Guide to Planned Giving

“For many nonprofits today, women represent a growing generation of gatekeepers of the philanthropic purse strings. Every fundraiser and development officer who wants to partner with women to achieve their mission needs to read this book.”
-Suzanne Horstman, FAHP, Executive Director, Library Foundation of Martin County

“This is a powerful and inspirational book that engages women’s hearts and minds in ways to make a true and vital difference with their time, talent and treasure. This book is a must read for all of us who care about the future of our planet.”
-Lynne Twist, author, The Soul of Money

“Most men and women, boomers or not, do not know the chronological history of women in America especially as it relates to wealth and giving. Women, Wealth and Giving changes this dramatically. We can now understand the struggle and appreciate and accept where women are in relation to status, influence and significance. Kudos to Damen and McCuistion for giving us this gift. It is truly a treasure.”
-Bob Hopkins, Founder, Philanthropy World Magazine

This book, written to and for women, offers a path to that golden intersection where informed ideas, feelings, and actions come together as a deeper way of life. Damen and McCuistion provide so many insights about the inner meaning of finances and philanthropy that I encourage both women and men to imbibe their nourishment for the soul.
-Paul G. Schervish, PhD, Director, Center on Wealth and Philanthropy
Professor, Department of Sociology, Boston College

Every woman donor and every development officer who wants to raise funds from women should read THIS book. It is a superb exploration and extrapolation of readings, interviews, and perspectives about how women think, feel, and give. The book offers a window into the realities of why women need to express their philanthropic voices and values. The development profession’s body of knowledge will be greatly enhanced because the authors have integrated historical, sociological, economic, and psychological influences—demonstrating that women are, indeed, a high-impact constituency in the world of philanthropy.
-Karla Williams, MA, ACFRE, author Donor Focused Strategies for Annual Giving
Lead Faculty, Fund Raising School at IUPUI, Center on Philanthropy