Sondra Shaw-Hardy is an expert and a pioneer in women’s philanthropy.  A philanthropist herself, she speaks, advises and writes widely about how women’s philanthropy can make the world a better place and how women are poised to bring about change.  Sondra works with individuals, institutions and organizations to help them understand women’s philanthropic motivations and increase their giving.

Her research on women’s giving has been reported by national and international media and she has received many honors and awards. Her most recent research was completed with her colleague, Carmen Stevens, and is the first national survey to compare women’s giving across generations.

Since 1995 she has written, co-authored or co-edited three books about women and philanthropy.  She is currently working on her fourth book which will be on the subject of women’s giving circles for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Through personal stories of the women involved, the book will describe how the 6 C’s of women’s motivations to give (change, create, commit, connect, collaborate and celebrate) have played an important role in the extraordinary phenomenon of women’s giving circles. 

Sondra has worked with hundreds of women nationwide to help them discover their passion for philanthropy and found that women’s motivations for giving has brought about changes in their lives which she calls the “ 3 new C’s” of women’s giving: control (of their lives and finances); confidence (to make decisions on their own); and courage (to take risks and try new things).  These 3 C’s will also be incorporated in her new book about giving circles.

Over the past twenty-five years she has founded or co-founded numerous non-profit groups including the Women’s Philanthropy Institute with Martha A. Taylor, a program of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University as well as several giving circles throughout the United States. She was chair of the 2005 national symposium, Women and Philanthropy: Gaining Momentum at the Center on Philanthropy and has been a speaker or on the faculty for many Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) conferences and symposiums nationwide.

Because so much of philanthropy has to do with financial and wealth management, her family background has provided her with an understanding of inheritance issues as well as the complexities of wealth and how it impacts the individuals involved.

Sondra has been a faculty member, politician, public relations consultant, development director and manager.

She is an active community volunteer and philanthropist and has served on the boards of the Traverse City Women’s Resource Center, the Munson Hospital Regional Foundation and is currently on the board of the Traverse City Opera House.

Sondra has been described as combining energy, intelligence, charm and wit in working with her audiences and clients.