Bridging Generational Divides in Family Philanthropy: How Advisors & Community Foundations Can Help 

Differing views within families is nothing new; in fact, it’s been the norm for centuries. Generations have debated everything from politics to religion to parenting styles. And more often than not, money—how it’s earned, invested, shared, or saved—has been at the center of these conversations. 

When it comes to philanthropy, these conversations can be especially complex. Today’s landscape makes this even more relevant than ever: families with up to four generations living simultaneously, longer lifespans, greater openness about finances, differing social values, and the desire of older generations to set a strong philanthropic example while retaining stewardship of the wealth they’ve built. 

U.S. charitable giving in 2024 reached $592.50 billion—a 6.3% increase from 2023 in current dollars and about a 3.3% increase once adjusted for inflation. Of that, giving by individuals alone was about $392.45 billion, growing ~8.2% in current dollars (≈5.1% inflation-adjusted). Add to this the unprecedented transfer of wealth underway.  

A report by Cerulli projects that by 2048, approximately $124 trillion in wealth will transfer to heirs and charitable causes. Of that, $105 trillion is expected to flow to heirs, and about $18 trillion to charity. Additionally, approximately $54 trillion of the anticipated transfers will go first to spouses before eventually passing down to heirs or charities, with a large portion (nearly $40 trillion) of these spousal transfers going to widowed women in the Baby Boomer and older generations.  

With more wealth circulating, families are experiencing both exciting opportunities and new complexities in deciding how best to align their giving. 

Continue reading: What Is the Great Wealth Transfer?

An Advisor’s Role in Philanthropy 

As a trusted advisor, you help clients achieve their goals for estate, tax, and financial planning, along with charitable impact. And while philanthropy is inherently hopeful, you’ve likely seen that it can spark spirited debate when family members bring different priorities to the table. 

This is where strategy, facilitation, and partnership become critical. To help families steward their charitable vision across generations, you need both technical expertise and a way to navigate values-driven conversations with sensitivity. 

Continue reading: Retaining Clients Through Generational Connections

The Community Foundation Advantage 

Greater Houston Community Foundation, like many other community foundations, is uniquely positioned to help. We don’t just understand the mechanics of charitable vehicles and the needs of the local community—we also specialize in helping families engage in constructive dialogue about what matters most to them. 

Our role is part educator, part facilitator, and part connector. For example, the Community Foundation can: 

• Listen and Learn: We spend time understanding each generation’s values, preferences, and philanthropic goals. 

• Facilitate Impactful Dialogue: Our team encourages empathetic, generationally attuned conversations. 

• Offer Local Insight: We leverage our local knowledge to best align nonprofits and causes with family values. 

• Education on Charitable Vehicles: From donor advised funds to designated or scholarships, we present the tools and structures that help families act on their shared goals. 

• Align Interests: We develop allocation strategies that balance multiple causes and perspectives, creating peace of mind for families. 

Case Study: The Patel Family 

The Patel family, Houston-based entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, approached the Community Foundation as they began transitioning leadership of both their business and their philanthropy to the next generation. 

• The parents, first-generation wealth builders, wanted to continue supporting the hospitals and medical research institutions that had played a role in their professional journey. 

• Their adult children, who had studied and lived in different parts of the U.S., were deeply committed to issues like climate resilience and global health. 

• Their teenage grandchildren were beginning to express interest in local causes such as STEM education, animal welfare, and arts programs. 

Initially, the Patels found it difficult to agree on how to balance global ambitions with local commitments. Through facilitated sessions with the Community Foundation, the family engaged in structured conversations that surfaced common themes: opportunity, innovation, and community well-being. 

With our guidance, the Patels established a family donor advised fund that allocates resources across three focus areas: 

• A portion designated to healthcare and medical research in honor of the family’s legacy. 

• A portion directed by the adult children toward international humanitarian and climate-related efforts. 

• A portion reserved for local initiatives in Houston, with grants selected annually by the grandchildren. 

This approach not only gave each generation a voice but also strengthened family bonds. As one family member reflected, “We realized philanthropy doesn’t have to be either/or. By listening to one another, we built a both/and strategy that reflects our family’s journey and values.”

The result was a shared giving plan that honors the parents’ legacy, empowers the next generation’s global vision, and inspires even the youngest Patels to see themselves as changemakers. 

A Trusted Partner for Advisors & Families 

Philanthropy should bring families together, not pull them apart. As generational wealth transfer accelerates, the role of community foundations in bridging differences has never been more vital. 

At Greater Houston Community Foundation, we partner with advisors and families to turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting impact. Whether you’re navigating generational divides, exploring charitable vehicles, or seeking to educate clients about new opportunities, we’re here to help you—and the families you serve—thrive in this new era of philanthropy. Connect with Andrea Mayes, Senior Director of Charitable Solutions, to discover how our expertise can seamlessly integrate your clients’ charitable giving goals into their wealth planning strategies.  

More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation: 

• How To Preserve Generational Wealth
• How Does a Donor Advised Fund Work?
• What to Do with an Inheritance
• Giving With Clarity: The Power of Intentional Giving in Family Philanthropy
• Strategic Corporate Giving in a Changing Tax Landscape

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