The study  confirms what communications and development directors who engage women know from experience: women often seek a multiple opinions before they make a funding decision. They also like to work collaboratively. This due diligence can stretch the process, but it also means once they sign the check, they’re “all in” with their support.

Here are some quick tips for engaging major (female) donors:

1. Engage early. Who doesn’t like to be there on the ground floor where it all began? If you’ve got a great idea, bring her in early to get her excited and invested. Tap her knowledge and perspective as a major donor to cultivate other donors.

2. Be open. Be proactive about offering people she may want to talk to about your work, whether it’s grantees, board members, or your other funders.

3. Engage often. She’s your funding partner now. Keep her in the loop, but also invite her to events or activities that may bring her closer to the people and the cause she’s signed up for so she can see firsthand the difference you – and she – are making.