SECTOR RESEARCH
Disruptive Philanthropy Shaping Tomorrow’s Donor Strategies
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BY YANNICK ARCHAMBAULT AND ARUNDEL GIBSON
or centuries, the philanthropic activities of successful individuals and families have played an important role in societies in Canada and around the world. This becomes even more important in economically and socially challenging times. The pre-COVID-19 world saw increased public interest in personal wealth, wealth equality and, by extension, increased philanthropic activity. As the world transitions to the new normal and societies seek to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, the desire among many individuals and families to create impact and leave lasting legacies in their communities and beyond remains. KPMG is seeing the emergence of a new wave of modern philanthropists, adopting innovative approaches to philanthropy. During 2021, KPMG Global Family Office conducted surveys and in-depth interviews with select philanthropists in Canada and around the world to uncover how they support various causes, the approaches they adopt as well as their successes and lessons they have learned along their journeys. This report provides insight into different ways successful individuals and families are approaching giving. Some of the themes covered include what drives this new wave of philanthropists and how they collaborate; the strategies and structures behind their activity; the impact on both those that benefit from their activity and those who give, and the role philanthropy can play in bringing families closer together. 26
FOUNDATION Magazine
January/February 2022
KPMG chose a select number of philanthropists from around the world to show what they are doing in the philanthropic space and share lessons and insights from them, which may help others seeking to maximize their impact through philanthropic activity.
A New Wave of Disruptive Philanthropists The relationship between private wealth, philanthropy and society is as complex and personal as it is rewarding. Philanthropists typically sit outside the confines of government and business and are often free to direct wealth and influence in ways of their choosing. Yet with wealth comes responsibility, and it is not something worn lightly, according to most philanthropists KPMG interviewed. Global philanthropy is changing Global philanthropy is changing. The simple act of giving money to deserving causes, while still at the heart of philanthropic endeavour, is not enough. New ways of giving are emerging, with philanthropists taking the very best of key lessons from the corporate world to help add rigor and discipline to philanthropic activities in ways that can maximize impact. foundationmag.ca
