We are living in an important moment in time in our country’s history and in philanthropy. Wealth inequality is growing, while participation in giving and volunteering is declining. While those in the top echelons of wealth are giving more, critics are increasingly noting that much of that giving does not flow to those who need it most, and often supports strategies that work at the margins instead of seeking to transform the systems that sustain the deep inequities in our society.
Over the next 50 years, donors will contribute nearly $20 trillion to nonprofit organizations. This presents an enormous opportunity to address some of society’s greatest challenges. But while most donors indicate they want to make donations that are impactful, many lack access to high-quality resources or advice to guide their giving. If donors aren’t making informed, intentional investments, we squander opportunities to have a transformative impact.
As we enter the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in our country’s history, we see an opening to support donors who want to give with impact by helping them to more easily access what the social sector has learned about best practices and what works.
That’s why we created the Impact-Driven Philanthropy Initiative—to help more donors give in ways that are more likely to make a difference.
