Empowering the Future: How to Engage Next-Generation Adults in Your Philanthropy
One of the pivotal moments in your family’s philanthropic journey is when those currently steering the giving formally invite the next generation—or even subsequent generations—into the fold. Some families embark on this process early, embedding values of generosity and community involvement in their children's daily lives and gradually introducing them to a more formalized philanthropic framework. Others prefer to engage the next generation once they’ve reached adulthood, often defining this stage as the period post-higher education and the start of their professional careers, or even later. Welcoming next-generation family members at any point requires careful thought, but integrating them as adults presents unique complexities. Without a well-considered approach, both the current and incoming generations may end up feeling frustrated and disheartened, potentially undermining your goals. Yet, when done thoughtfully, this integration can be deeply meaningful, reinforce your family’s legacy, and significantly advance your philanthropic mission for positive change in the world.
Though each family's journey in philanthropy is distinct, several key insights that can help leaders thoughtfully guide their family's philanthropic evolution. To ease this transition, consider breaking it down into these three phases:
1. Lay the Groundwork: Identify Guardrails and Open Gates
The managing generation is responsible for creating the conditions that will allow the next generation to succeed. Many of those conditions are predicated on careful reflection before extending a formal invitation. One critical component for the managing generation to reflect is to identify their guardrails and open gates. The managing generation needs to determine which pieces of the philanthropy are fixed, and which are flexible and to clearly communicate that to the next generation to avoid frustration and disappointment. For instance, we recommend that the managing generation considers the issues, geographies, and/or populations that they currently focus on and whether they are willing to adjust those priorities in the future.
2. Complete Effective Onboarding: Share a Clear Invitation
When you have laid the groundwork and are prepared to invite members of the next generation to join your philanthropy, we encourage you to do so by offering an explicit invitation, rather than to rely on unstated expectations or assumptions. A clear invitation includes information on the precise role, time commitment, and length of service as well as information about the philanthropy to date and what the managing generation hopes for the future. The managing generation should also note the expertise and experience they see in a next-generation individual and how those skills may contribute to their board service. Sharing a thorough and thoughtful invitation starts your philanthropic relationship off with a sense of respect for the next generation’s time, interest, and priorities, and allows room for negotiations and adjustments.
3. Continue to Learn and Grow Together: Practice (and Encourage) Humility
For the managing generation who have dedicated, often years, of time and energy to the philanthropy, welcoming individuals with new approaches and different life experiences can be a challenging change. While most next-generation leaders are open to learning and passionate about having an impact, they likely also want to make their own path. As the next generation brings their own ideas and perspectives to the table, it’s important that everyone practices humility. Doing so will strengthen relationships among family members and also help them recognize the privilege of stewardship and the knowledge and expertise within the communities they support.
Learn More
With a thoughtful process, all participants can bring skills and knowledge to the work, learn from each other, and support effective and impactful work. Learn more about the practices and considerations involved in each phase of engaging next-generation adults. You can find additional resources at the National Center for Family Philanthropy at ncfp.org.
