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Young Donors Drive Philanthropic Shift
30 Sep
Summary
- Gen Z and Millennials support 12 causes, more than the overall average.
- Nearly half of wealthy Americans volunteered in 2025.
- Less than half of wealthy Americans feel next gen is prepared.
New research indicates that Gen Z and Millennial donors are reshaping the landscape of philanthropy. These younger givers are engaging with an average of 12 charitable causes, surpassing the eight causes supported by wealthy donors overall. Their approach involves a wider array of giving tools, including charitable trusts and family foundations.
Despite this increased engagement from younger demographics, a significant concern persists regarding philanthropic succession. As of 2025, nearly nine in 10 wealthy Americans donated to charities, with basic needs, health care, and disaster relief being primary focuses. Volunteerism also saw an uptick, with 49% of wealthy Americans participating in 2025.
However, confidence in the next generation's readiness to lead family philanthropic efforts has declined. Fewer than half of wealthy Americans (47%) now believe younger inheritors are prepared, a drop from 55% in 2024. This underscores a critical challenge for families aiming to pass on charitable traditions while embracing evolving donor priorities.
