Boomer Women Much More Charitable Than Male Counterparts

"Boomer women are transforming philanthropy through innovative new charitable organizations and new ways to engage in charitable activity," Debra Mesch, director of the Women's Philanthropy Institute, said in the statement. "Understanding their giving habits provides insights into the future of philanthropy and helps women understand the context for their own personal giving."

A previous study from the center covering all age groups found that women across the age spectrum generally give more and are more likely to give than men in the same income bracket.

Mesch said the center's previous research had found that women tend to be more altruistic than men and that their giving frequently is motivated by the desire to make a difference in peoples' lives.

"Additionally, women's strong networks may keep them more connected to both the needs of others and to opportunities to give," she said.

The Women Give series studies only households headed by single women and single men to explain gender differences in giving. Because married couples tend to pool income and make joint decisions about giving to charity, studying married couples does not allow for testing of gender differences in giving, the institute said.