One of the biggest challenges identified by fundraisers and other observers is stylistic. The strategies long used to get men to write political checks aren’t as effective at inducing wealthy women to give, too.

Wooing female donors takes a more personal touch: Often they want more of a relationship with candidates or outside groups and to have a clear understanding of where their money is going, according to several fundraisers and donors.

“Women often appreciate a relationship. They appreciate knowing where their money is going, where it is going to be used, so they can feel good about their investment,” Gillibrand said.

Gillibrand said she believes men dominate the political money scene because they continue to be more involved in politics across the board than women. While there are more female elected officials than ever before, men make up nearly 82 percent of members of Congress, for example. She’s trying to change the equation with her Off the Sidelines political action committee and a commitment to reach out to more women. Gillibrand’s PAC has raised $3.6 million so far this cycle and has doled out more than $400,000 to nearly 50 female House and Senate candidates.