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The Center on Philanthropy New Study: Women More Charitable Than Men

Three Out of Four World Vision Sponsors are Women: "It's just a natural fit"

SEATTLE, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Indiana University releases a new study today showing women are more charitable then men, Christian humanitarian group World Vision says these findings mirror what it is seeing among its supporters across the country. Among the nearly 885,000 Americans who sponsor a child through the organization, three out of four are female.

According to the study by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, female-headed households--in nearly every income bracket--are more generous towards charities than male-headed households. The survey, titled "Women Give 2010," proves that women play a very powerful role in the world of philanthropy both in the likelihood of their giving, and in the amount that is given, the Center says.

World Vision says that while it actively engages both men and women, as well as youth and other groups, women do play a unique role in tackling critical issues in world poverty.

"We've seen the power of women. Not only are they incredibly generous, but they also seek a personal connection. When we can offer a meaningful experience along with an opportunity to give, we've seen that women really respond," says Lana Reda, World Vision's Vice President of product and donor management. "It's just a natural fit."

"Women want to use their voice as much as their checkbook," says Cynthia Breilh, National Director of Women of Vision, a volunteer ministry of the organization. "Within the past 2 years alone, we've seen our volunteer groups triple in membership nationwide. In the past year, these women have met with their representatives in Washington, DC, and raised $7 million to help women and children in need around the world."

"In particular, women are seeing impact they can have in the lives of women and girls in need through innovative programs including shelters for sexually exploited girls, small business loans for women and maternal health programs," Breilh explains.

Cynthia Breilh and Lana Reda and both available for interviews.

Contact: John Yeager World Vision, (253) 815-2356, (253) 765-9845 or jyeager@worldvision.org

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. For more information please visit www.worldvision.org.

SOURCE World Vision U.S.