The Princeton Area Community Foundation recently held an executive learning session for its Professional Advisors Committee with special guest speaker Bryan Clontz. Bryan is the President & Founder of Charitable Solutions and a nationally recognized philanthropy expert. He is known for his expertise in complex gift planning, particularly for ultra-high-net-worth families.
Bryan shared key insights into the tools, trends, and demographic shifts that are redefining the future of charitable giving. Here are 5 key takeaways from the session:
1. Demographic trends can be your best friend or your biggest enemy.
Women are controlling or will control an unprecedented level of wealth. They tend to favor unrestricted or field-of-interest funds, while men lean toward more restricted giving. As the Depression-era generation ages out, many large charities are seeing a decline in their traditional donor base. Younger generations are stepping in, but with different preferences, favoring causes that align with their values and favoring newer channels like social media-driven campaigns.
2. Competition is everywhere!
Every day, between 125 and 150 new charitable organizations are formed. At the same time, 65% of charitable gifts are created with the help of professional advisors.
3. It is important to simplify language and ask the right questions at the right time.
Subtle language shifts can make a big difference in how clients approach giving. For example, “Make a gift to charity in my will” often resonates more than “Make a bequest to charity.”
4. The Giving Pledge mindset is spreading.
Bryan highlighted that while the “Giving Pledge” often associated with billionaires is relevant, it is more impactful at the millionaire level, where advisors can resonate with clients by discussing the balance of providing enough financial support without creating dependency.
5. Philanthropy is alive and well – no matter what!
Despite economic uncertainty, charitable giving remains resilient. Americans continue to give generously, and many families are turning to philanthropy to deepen their impact and create a legacy. As Bryan noted, “If conspicuous consumption is charity’s only competitor, good times may be ahead!”
Contact Us
Strong relationships between the Community Foundation and professional advisors are essential to advancing philanthropy in our region and helping clients make meaningful, lasting contributions. The team at the Community Foundation looks forward to working with you and your philanthropic clients. For more information, contact Steven Spinner, at sspinner@pacf.org or Gabrielle Markand, at gmarkand@pacf.org.
