The Future of Family Office Philanthropy
May 13, 2025by Philanthropic Futurist, Betsy Cohen
The world is changing fast, and philanthropy is shifting with it. As federal funding declines and nonprofits are asked to do more with fewer resources, there’s growing hope that wealthy families can step in. While high-net-worth families play an important role, private dollars alone won't cover the gap. The opportunity isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about imagining what comes next and helping to build the future we actually want.
More families are using family office structures to design their giving strategies, moving away from those traditional banks and advisors who were focused more on transactions than transformation. These offices are becoming spaces where families do long-term thinking about how they want to shape the world. In many families, philanthropy is also strengthening relationships across generations. It becomes a way to build trust, share values, and have important conversations about legacy and leadership.
There’s a clear divide between families that treat philanthropy as a routine box to check and those that use it as a powerful tool for connection and impact. The advisors who can help families bridge that gap and imagine a shared vision will stay valuable for generations to come.
One of the most important dynamics unfolding now is the difference in priorities between generations. The original wealth creators often focus on familiar institutions like schools, museums, and religious organizations . Their children and grandchildren are prioritizing climate justice, equity, and big systems change. This generational shift is creating new energy in family giving. Many elder donors are choosing to give more while they’re alive, both to support their own interests and to empower younger family members to lead in new ways.
And then there’s AI. It’s transforming how nonprofits operate, how donors engage, and how stories are shared. Younger generations and proactive nonprofit organizations are already exploring AI tools to deepen their giving connections. The question is whether family offices are ready to support this shift. Advisors and family offices that are leaning in, learning, and adapting are the ones that will stay relevant.
If you’re curious about what’s coming next, I’d love to talk more. You can reach me at [email protected] or explore our future planning tools at www.WeAreFutureGood.com.
