Dear UHNW Institute Members,
Our favorite time of year is here! Fall brings our Signature Events: The Collegium in Chicago on October 6–7 and the Symposium in New York City on November 17–18. Day one of the Symposium features an optional live training on the advanced application of the Ten Domains, an introduction to the new AIM Framework™, and case studies applying both models to real-world scenarios.
We also invite you to take advantage of our partnership with The Family Wealth Report and attend their Family Wealth Report FinTech Summit in New York on October 9.
Don’t miss this month’s podcast, 50 Ways to Leave Your Legacy. Legacy is more than wealth transfer—it’s values, wisdom, relationships, and impact. Our conversation explores how to blend personal, philanthropic, business, and social initiatives into a legacy that lasts.
Finally, our content focus this month is Social Impact & Philanthropy, one of the Ten Domains of Family Wealth™. As political pressures grow, foundation leaders face scrutiny over tax status and the framing of initiatives—from humanitarian aid to climate action. Advisory firms and family offices are working hard to navigate these challenges, and we invite members to share their experiences. Below, you’ll find a framework for addressing social impact and philanthropy amid today’s shifting landscape.
A Framework for Addressing Social Impact & Philanthropy During Times of Political Tension
Recenter on Values, Not Politics
- Start with a values-based discovery to define enduring principles, education, environment, innovation, legacy, that go beyond current debates.
- Frame giving around shared values, not political terms
- Create a Family Mission Statement to guide decisions across generations.
Scenario Planning & Risk Management
- Assess reputational and policy risks in philanthropic strategies.
- Use scenario planning to prepare for potential controversy.
- Diversify giving; balance broad-impact causes (education, health, arts) with selective, higher-risk initiatives.
Transparency & Governance
- Define who decides, how decisions are made, and how risks are managed.
- Report outcomes and impact, not ideology.
- Keep investment and philanthropy decisions separate.
Focus on Impact, Not Issues
- Emphasize measurable results; lives improved, communities strengthened.
- Use data to demonstrate effectiveness.
- Keep language neutral and outcome oriented.
Consider Strategic Giving Vehicles
- Use donor advised funds, foundations, or pooled funds to manage visibility and risk.
- Collaborate with others on shared goals (e.g., education, sustainability).
Adaptive Communication
- Train family and firm leaders to discuss giving in values-based, non-divisive terms.
- Reframe potentially sensitive areas, e.g.: “environmental stewardship” instead of “climate activism”
Engage the Next Generation
- Balance next-gen passion for visible impact with senior-generation preference for discretion.
- Create shared forums to align values and priorities.
Institutional Positioning for Firms
- Emphasize neutrality; help clients achieve their goals without advancing an agenda.
- Measure and report results using trusted, global frameworks, such as the UN SDGs or GIIN/IRIS+, to ensure credibility and neutrality.
- Educate clients on how external dynamics can influence philanthropy.
ARTICLE/BOOKS/ PRESENTATIONS
Leaving a Philanthropic Legacy
Legacy planning is vital for donors who value philanthropy. Advisors should be proactive to develop a charitable legacy plan with their clients, ensuring that donors wishes and intentions are honored even after death.
National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Trends 2025
Published every five years, the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s report highlights major trends, including a move from donor-centric to community-centric giving, continued reliance on foundations, and growing demand for governance in family philanthropy. Findings are organized around four principles: accountability, equity, reflection and learning, and relationships.
Notes: This resource is a large file and may take longer than usual to download. Also, the report concludes with some marketing statements from sponsors. The UHNW Institute neither promotes nor endorses any specific products, services, or firms.
Conservative Philanthropy CEO to Trump: Don’t Attack Liberal Nonprofits
Published by The Free Press, this article discusses the response of conservative philanthropy leaders to President Trump’s threats against liberal nonprofit organizations following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
PODCASTS
Episode 5: Social Impact & Philanthropy
In this episode of the UHNW Institute Podcast, Russ Haworth interviews Betsy Erickson, chair of the Social Impact & Philanthropy Domain, on the growing demand and complexities of UHNW philanthropy—and how the Institute connects experts to advance the field.
VIDEO
Leading With Legacy: Discovering the Voice and Shared Purpose of the Multigenerational Family
This webinar explores the role of legacy in wealth management, showing how shared values and vision help families preserve wealth. Panelists showcased technology for capturing legacy stories, addressed psychological barriers, and featured a member’s experience creating a family legacy film.
