Next Gen Donors Shaping the Future of Philanthropy

GrantCraft is pleased to partner with 21/64 and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in an analysis of their new research on next generation donors.

A relatively small group of Generation Xers and Millennials will inherit over $40 trillion in wealth, much of that designated for philanthropy. In this first-of-its-kind research, the Johnson Center and 21/64 examined a key segment of the next generation of major donors in the United States. Through a national online survey and in-depth interviews, they explored themes including philanthropic orientation, priorities, strategies, decision-making, and activities. Their report, Next Gen Donors: Respecting Legacy, Revolutionizing Philanthropy, is available at www.nextgendonors.org.

21/64 and the Johnson Center invited GrantCraft to do a parallel analysis of its interviews to draw out the “practical wisdom” of 30 next generation major donors. Next Gen Donors: Shaping the Future of Philanthropy, a GrantCraft companion guide, captures what study participants found to be distinctive about themselves and their peers. It aims to increase understanding and stimulate discussion about Gen X and Millennial major donors — the generations that have the potential to be the most significant philanthropists in history.

Highlights

  • Hunger for engagement: grantees, families, peers, other funders
  • New ways of learning: ideas, approaches, and people
  • Importance of now: deep interest in applying their skills sooner rather than later

What's in the Guide?

  • In their own words: GrantCraft joined 21/64 and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy in listening to and reflecting upon the voices of a selected group of major donors in their 20s and 30s.
  • Hunger for engagement: In their interviews, study participants expressed a desire to be hands-on philanthropists — with their grant recipients, their approach to issues, their families, their peers, and other funders.
  • New ways of learning: Generation X and Millennial interviewees described generational differences in the ways they learn about new ideas, approaches, and people.
  • Importance of now: This group of next generation donors highlighted their deep interest in helping and applying their skills sooner rather than later.
  • How to use this guide: These starter questions can be used to promote dialogue for audiences including next generation donors; family, community, and private foundations; donor advised funds; philanthropy networks; advisors; and researchers

About the author(s)

Vice President for Strategic Philanthropy
Foundation Center

About the author(s)

Vice President for Strategic Philanthropy
Foundation Center

GrantCraft is pleased to partner with 21/64 and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in an analysis of their new research on next generation donors.

A relatively small group of Generation Xers and Millennials will inherit over $40 trillion in wealth, much of that designated for philanthropy. In this first-of-its-kind research, the Johnson Center and 21/64 examined a key segment of the next generation of major donors in the United States. Through a national online survey and in-depth interviews, they explored themes including philanthropic orientation, priorities, strategies, decision-making, and activities. Their report, Next Gen Donors: Respecting Legacy, Revolutionizing Philanthropy, is available at www.nextgendonors.org.

21/64 and the Johnson Center invited GrantCraft to do a parallel analysis of its interviews to draw out the “practical wisdom” of 30 next generation major donors. Next Gen Donors: Shaping the Future of Philanthropy, a GrantCraft companion guide, captures what study participants found to be distinctive about themselves and their peers. It aims to increase understanding and stimulate discussion about Gen X and Millennial major donors — the generations that have the potential to be the most significant philanthropists in history.

Highlights

  • Hunger for engagement: grantees, families, peers, other funders
  • New ways of learning: ideas, approaches, and people
  • Importance of now: deep interest in applying their skills sooner rather than later

What's in the Guide?

  • In their own words: GrantCraft joined 21/64 and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy in listening to and reflecting upon the voices of a selected group of major donors in their 20s and 30s.
  • Hunger for engagement: In their interviews, study participants expressed a desire to be hands-on philanthropists — with their grant recipients, their approach to issues, their families, their peers, and other funders.
  • New ways of learning: Generation X and Millennial interviewees described generational differences in the ways they learn about new ideas, approaches, and people.
  • Importance of now: This group of next generation donors highlighted their deep interest in helping and applying their skills sooner rather than later.
  • How to use this guide: These starter questions can be used to promote dialogue for audiences including next generation donors; family, community, and private foundations; donor advised funds; philanthropy networks; advisors; and researchers
 

About the author(s)

Vice President for Strategic Philanthropy
Foundation Center