Giving Compass' Take:

• According to “Global Trends and Strategic Time Horizons in Family Philanthropy 2020,” a report by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and Campden Wealth, there are several types of vehicles through which family philanthropists donate. 

• How are you deciding where and how to give? What questions go into your giving process? 

• Learn more about family philanthropy, here.


Family philanthropy can be a complex blend of giving cultures, approaches, motivations, legacies and structures. During a time of heightened economic and geopolitical turbulence, which is also highlighting rising social inequality and deepening environmental problems, families of wealth are becoming more deeply involved in their philanthropic commitments.

"As the global economy grows, so does the number of wealthy individuals making philanthropy a key part of their lives. They're seeking new approaches and instruments to address acute social and environmental issues effectively," said Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors CEO Melissa A. Berman.

As highlighted in the recently released “Global Trends and Strategic Time Horizons in Family Philanthropy 2020,” a report by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and Campden Wealth, there are several main factors to consider when exploring why families give. These include the types of vehicles through which they donate, what shapes their philanthropic time horizon choices, popular causes, and engagement of the next generation.

  1. Giving Vehicles The actual vehicle for giving philanthropically can play a big role in both how the philanthropic activities sit with the family but also the possible ancillary benefits.
  2. Causes Often when deciding on a cause to support, families often look close to home for something that they can relate to.
  3. Time Horizons With the pace of work and business continuing to increase and planning cycles shortening, time horizons for philanthropic activities have also been reevaluated.
  4. The Next generation It's often noted that philanthropy can be an excellent vehicle to engage the next generation, a fact that was confirmed by in the report.
  5. Decision- Making Family heads or founders were noted as the key decision-makers in 60% of cases, followed by other family members (48%). Other decision-makers could include founding donors and trustees.

Read the full article about motivations of philanthropy by Francois Botha at Forbes.