Is your philanthropy next-generation ready? Three findings from our new research

The greatest wealth transfer in history is approaching. How will it transform philanthropy?

Over the next two decades, an estimated USD 83 trillion will pass from one generation to the next. For many wealthy families, attention naturally focuses on succession, governance and wealth preservation. Yet another question is becoming increasingly important: how will the next generation choose to give?

Traditionally, generational transitions are associated with change. Younger generations often expect to challenge established norms, modernise existing approaches and bring a different perspective to the way wealth is managed and deployed. Our latest research suggests something more nuanced is happening in philanthropy.

Drawing on insights from philanthropists across Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE and the UK, our new report The Next [Gen] Chapter of Philanthropy reveals that the next generation is not rejecting philanthropy's traditional foundations. Instead, they are redefining how those values are put into practice.

The result is a picture of continuity and change unfolding simultaneously.

Three findings shaping the future of philanthropy

1. The next generation is not rebelling

Much has been written about generational divides, yet philanthropy tells a different story.

Across all four markets, families remain remarkably aligned on why they give. Supporting communities, expressing personal and family values, and creating a lasting legacy remain shared priorities across generations; 80% of respondents believe younger and older generations are aligned on the motivations behind philanthropy. 

This challenges a common assumption.

Rather than replacing the values of previous generations, younger philanthropists appear determined to build upon them. The foundations remain intact. What is changing are the expectations surrounding how those values translate into action.

The next generation is not questioning whether giving matters. It is asking how giving can achieve greater impact

2. Good intentions are no longer enough

If the "why" of philanthropy remains stable, the "how" is evolving rapidly.

Younger donors consistently place greater importance on measurable impact, innovation and accountability. Across markets, they are more than twice as likely as older generations to prioritise innovation and measurable outcomes as key philanthropic objectives.

For many, philanthropy is becoming less of a standalone activity and more of a holistic, strategic endeavour.

Questions that once sat primarily within wealth management are increasingly finding their way into philanthropy:

• How do we define success?
• How do we measure outcomes?
• Which governance structures support better decision-making?
• How can resources be deployed more effectively?

The next generation is not questioning whether giving matters. It is asking how giving can achieve greater impact.

3. One global trend, four local approaches

While generational shifts are visible across all markets, they are not unfolding in exactly the same way.

You could do so much with catalytic, long-term funding if you do it in a professional, systemic way

Switzerland: strengthening tradition

Switzerland demonstrates that modernisation does not require reinvention. 82% of respondents agree on the importance of giving, highlighting one of the strongest levels of intergenerational alignment in the research. 

This shift is perhaps less about replacing existing models than strengthening what already exists. Andrea Studer, CEO of Fondation Botnar, puts it like this: "You could do so much with catalytic, long-term funding if you do it in a professional, systemic way."

The next generation is preserving longstanding philanthropic traditions while introducing greater emphasis on transparency, innovation and impact measurement.

Singapore: embracing innovation

Singapore emerges as the most future-focused market surveyed. 60% of respondents expect philanthropy to make use of new giving vehicles and instruments, the highest proportion across all four markets.

Philanthropy is increasingly being viewed through the lens of innovation, governance and long-term family strategy.

This openness to innovation extends beyond philanthropic vehicles themselves and into the way many families think about impact. Esther Chang, CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle, notes that “philanthropy is moving beyond cheque-writing towards more strategic, thoughtful and systems-level giving,” while for Singapore-based philanthropist Sonia Tsao: "The important question is: what is the change you want to see in the world?"

The future may be shaped not by changing motivations, but by greater institutionalisation of giving

UAE: building structure around conviction

In the UAE, philanthropy remains deeply rooted in family, faith and community, with a keen sense of responsibility towards society driving giving.

For Fadi Ghandour, an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, close collaboration with local communities is key to creating lasting impact. He explains how in his organisation, “we don’t parachute solutions. We listen first and build with the community.”

Yet respondents also express growing demand for more structured approaches, stronger governance and clearer measurement.

Generosity remains the foundation, but many donors increasingly recognise that intention and discipline are key for creating impact. As Emirati business leader and philanthropist Muna Al Gurg explains: "Strategic philanthropy requires patience, systems and a willingness to learn from research and evidence." The future may be shaped not by changing motivations, but by greater institutionalisation of giving.

UK: unlocking the power of collaboration

The UK highlights a different opportunity. While willingness to collaborate is high (80%), only a small proportion (8%) of donors currently work alongside peers, NGOs or governments.

Collaboration may prove to be the UK's greatest untapped opportunity. Environmental philanthropist Ben Goldsmith believes it is also one of philanthropy's greatest strengths: "Together, funders can make better judgements and support more ambitious work than they could alone."

This is echoed by archaeologist and philanthropist Omid Majidpour, who aims to mobilise “much more than money or funds”, bringing together diverse actors around a cause and thereby “creating something much more powerful than just another funding vehicle.”

The next stage of impact may therefore come less from giving more, and more from giving together.

The real question, therefore, is not whether the next generation is ready to inherit responsibility. It is whether today's philanthropic structures are ready for the next generation

From wealth transfer to purpose transfer

Perhaps the most significant lesson from the research extends beyond philanthropy itself.

Families increasingly view philanthropy as a way to engage future generations long before wealth is transferred. Through discussions about giving, younger family members gain exposure to decision-making, responsibility and stewardship.

Philanthropy is often one of the first opportunities families have to discuss purpose collectively. It creates space to explore values, priorities and legacy before succession becomes an immediate concern.

As the UAE's Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy H.E. Badr Jafar argues, the transition underway is "not simply a transfer of assets: it is also a transfer of responsibility, decision-making and expectations about what capital should achieve."

The question every family should ask

The findings of The Next [Gen] Chapter of Philanthropy point to a clear conclusion: the next generation is not rewriting the purpose of philanthropy. It is redefining and refining how it is put into practice.

Values remain remarkably consistent. Expectations around governance, impact measurement, collaboration and accountability are evolving.

The real question, therefore, is not whether the next generation is ready to inherit responsibility. It is whether today's philanthropic structures are ready for the next generation.

Discover the full findings in The Next [Gen] Chapter of Philanthropy and explore how philanthropists across Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE and the UK are preparing for the future of giving.