Massachusetts Women Receive High Marks for Philanthropy

BOSTON – How do Massachusetts women stand up to those in other states when it comes to philanthropy? According to new comparative figures from United Way of America, there are more women making substantial investments in the community through United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley than through any other United Way organization in the country. At a celebration in Baltimore tomorrow night, the Massachusetts women who are a part of this movement will be recognized with a national “Fleur-de-Lis” award for their outstanding dedication to the community.

The Fleur-de-Lis Awards are presented each year by United Way of America to celebrate the extraordinary commitment of local communities to advance the common good. On Tuesday, May 13 th, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley (UWMBMV) will accept a Fleur-de-Lis award for engaging the highest number of women in its Alexis de Tocqueville leadership society.

Alexis de Tocqueville is a society of individuals who invest $10,000 or more to support children and families through United Way each year. Since 2004, women in the de Tocqueville society have increased their membership by more than 30%. There are currently 282 women in UWMBMV’s de Tocqueville Society. Over the years their support has led to major advances in the areas of healthy childhood development, youth opportunities, sustainable employment and affordable housing for Massachusetts families and children.

Massachusetts women have also fueled a groundbreaking initiative, called Today’s Girls… Tomorrow’s Leaders, which helps young girls realize their potential and develop leadership skills for the future. Since 1996, Today’s Girls… Tomorrow’s Leaders has invested nearly $12 million in agencies providing programming that empowers girls to lead and succeed in the future, by developing academic and leadership skills. Last year, because of investments from local women, United Way was able to provide TGTL grants to 45 programs helping girls find paths toward academic and personal success.

“It speaks volumes for young girls in Massachusetts to see the level of commitment and vision that these women have demonstrated through their philanthropy,” said Michael K. Durkin, president and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley who will be accepting the Fleur-de-Lis awards with United Way Board Chairman Robert Mahoney in Baltimore tomorrow. ”Everyone at United Way has been inspired by their leadership and passion for the children and families of this region.”

United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley will also receive recognition tomorrow for having the largest number of total Alexis de Tocqueville members, male and female, that have increased their support of the community this year over last. As recorded by United Way of America, this year UWMBMV’s Alexis de Tocqueville community leaders increased their support by more than 11%, investing a total of more than $16.5 million into the community.

“I am truly proud of the generosity of the people in this region. Their sustained commitment will make a lasting difference for children and families, especially in times of increased need," said Robert Mahoney, Chairman of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley Boa