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The Future of Philanthropy Starts Now

#assetactivation #communityled #donorengagement #equitycentered #foundationleaders #futureofphilanthropy #nonprofitleadership #powershifting #purposedriven #socialimpact #systemchange #trustbasedphilanthropy Jan 15, 2026

By Trista Harris

For decades, philanthropy has measured generosity by what it gives away each year. Five percent became the benchmark. But the future is asking more.

What if the real impact of philanthropy is not found in meeting the minimum, but in how fully we are willing to use every resource we hold?

Across the sector, the signals are clear. Communities are asking for partnership, not just grants. Younger donors are questioning long standing assumptions. And many foundations are beginning to wrestle with a quiet contradiction at the heart of philanthropy.

If philanthropy exists to advance the public good, why are most philanthropic assets sitting on the sidelines?

The pandemic showed us what is possible. When foundations acted with urgency, flexibility, and trust, resources moved faster and communities benefited sooner. That moment raised an important question. If philanthropy could move differently then, why not now?

This shift is being accelerated by a new generation of donors who care deeply about purpose, transparency, and visible impact. They want to understand how wealth is being used, not just how it is growing. They expect philanthropy to respond to real world challenges and take responsibility for its role in shaping the future.

Let’s get out of our heads and into action. On February 11, I’ll lead a discussion about what it really means to get off our assets. We will look at the signals already reshaping philanthropy and wrestle honestly with what comes next.

If you are sensing that the old rules no longer fit, this conversation is for you.

Free Webinar: The Future of Philanthropy Starts Now

Date: February 11 at 2pm ET / 11am PT

The Future of Philanthropy Starts Now

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