Women of Faith in Philanthropy — Legacy, Leadership and the Future
A panel event showcased how women of faith are poised to shape and enrich the philanthropic landscape, as they have for generations.
By Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, CFRE, Gift Planner
Faith and generosity have been intertwined for centuries. Today, women of faith are uniquely shaping the landscape of modern philanthropy. Their influence is rooted in history and continues to grow, driven by values, collaboration and a vision for meaningful change.
In September, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation brought together community leaders for a dynamic panel discussion that explored the intersection of women’s philanthropic influence and the motivations derived from diverse faith traditions.
A Legacy of Giving
The story of women of faith in philanthropy is woven into the very fabric of the Foundation. Annie Paper, an orthodox Jewish woman born in Russia, became the Foundation’s first donor in 1944, establishing a trust that would support new Americans in Saint Paul.
Decades later, sisters Laura and Anna E. R. Furness, active members of the Unity Unitarian Church, created a fund that propelled the Foundation into a new era, supporting educational, charitable and social agencies.
These women’s gifts brought to life the visions of the men who created the Foundation, and their legacy continues today. Women of faith remain integral as fundholders, staff, board members and grantee partners — demonstrating that philanthropy is not just about resources, but about values and community.
The Panel: Voices of Impact
On September 16, I moderated a Philanthropy in Your Practice event, featuring a panel of inspiring women:
- Jacy Grais (community volunteer and philanthropist)
- Nausheena Hussain (Principal of Nissa Consulting)
- Suzanne Kelly (CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches)
In addition to their roles in philanthropy, Jacy and Nausheena are both on the Foundation’s board of directors.
This discussion explored how women’s growing philanthropic influence is shaped by their faith traditions, and how these traditions mobilize women toward impactful work in their communities. Each panelist shared personal stories and information on giving traditions from their faith traditions.
Key Themes and Questions
The panel addressed thought-provoking questions, including:
- Earliest memories of giving: How do formative experiences shape lifelong generosity?
- Faith and giving: What do faith traditions teach us about sharing time, treasure, talent, ties and testimony?
- Mobilizing for change: How do women of faith leverage their resources to reflect their values and create meaningful change?
- Strategic and collaborative giving: What are examples of women leading with intention and partnership?
- Resilience and allyship: What are some strategies for staying peaceful amid hostility and ways allies can better support faith communities?
During the discussion, attendees heard common themes of generosity and women coming together in their faith traditions. Together they were able to activate resources needed by people in their broader communities — locally, regionally and internationally.
Looking Forward
As we stand at the beginning of a historic wealth transfer, women of faith are poised to shape and enrich the philanthropic landscape for generations to come.
Their strategic, collaborative approach and deep-rooted values offer pathways to greater impact and inclusion.
Women of faith have always been at the heart of philanthropy — grounded in tradition, inspired by community and driven by a vision for the greater good. As we celebrate their legacy and look to the future, we honor their leadership and invite all to join in building a more generous, inclusive world.
Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner, works to advance the Foundation’s mission by collaborating with professional advisors and donors to achieve philanthropic goals to better the lives of people in their communities. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Music Performance and Theatre from Gustavus Adolphus College. She has earned a Fundraising Certificate from the University of St. Thomas and the Certified Fundraising Executive accredited designation from CFRE International.
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