The Alliance of Women Philanthropists

Though women have always been important donors to the university, the administration understands that women will play increasingly significant roles in the development arena.  Women have gained the confidence to be philanthropic leaders.  As they are taking control of their finances and philanthropy, they expect more accountability from those institutions to which they donate. Furthermore, women have the courage to be change agents and are willing to take risks to affect change. 

The University of Tennessee understands and appreciates these changes and is eager to work with its female donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals and ultimately use education to raise the quality of life for women everywhere.  Therefore, the Alliance of Women Philanthropists was created to acknowledge the capacity of women to be influential donors to the University of Tennessee and to recognize them in more meaningful and personal ways.  

Membership

The Alliance includes all women who have given or directed $25,000 or more to any UT program (includes outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts).  The Board of Directors active in 2007 has made commitments to UT totaling over $30 million. 

Mission

To educate, empower, and inspire women to be philanthropic leaders at the University of Tennessee.

Vision

To assist the University of Tennessee in achieving its mission of becoming the nation’s premier land-grant institution through the involvement of women

Core Values

We value the contributions women have made and will make to the university, and we remain committed to supporting the University of Tennessee in its instructional, research, outreach and fundraising initiatives.  To this end, we will:

• Collaborate with others to realize our mission and vision and achieve our goals
• Connect, inspire, and mentor women of all ages toward philanthropic ventures
• Create opportunities to cultivate and recognize women as philanthropic leaders
• Change lives through education, leadership, and philanthropy
• Celebrate the impact of our philanthropy and the fulfillment that it brings

Goals and Objectives

• To inspire women to realize their full philanthropic potential
• To increase the number of women making gifts to UT
• To increase the institution’s financial support from women
• To create an awareness within the UT and local communities about the impact women have on philanthropy
• To recognize women in more personal and meaningful ways
• To hold one annual symposium on Women and Philanthropy

Alliance of Women Philanthropists Board Members 2007-08

Laura Morris, Chair
Joan D. Allen
Fay Bailey
Donna Cobble
Mary Jo Dougherty
Sandra (Sandie) Fancher
Julia Hoppe
Brenda Lawson
Carlton Long
Beverly Martin
Sharon Taylor
Frankie Wade
Julie Wharton
Ella Davis

Ex-officio Members

Carol Petersen
Carolyn Thompson

Staff Contacts

Suzy Garner, Director of Major Gifts
Kathleen Callen, Director of Development Programs
Robin Haefs

Questions about the Alliance of Women Philanthropists can be sent to alliance@tennessee.edu or to:

The Alliance of Women Philanthropists
600 Andy Holt Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996-0165
Fax: (865) 974-1020
Phone: (865) 974-2115