Dear Reader,

As we kick off 2025, we are motivated to understand all of the possibilities for the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors in this current climate. This year brings new challenges and also new opportunities to explore for impact. We’re here to support you in navigating these changes and helping you to maximize your philanthropy.

Why Do You Need a Philanthropic Strategic Plan?

Philanthropy is more than writing a check or making a donation. It’s a deeply personal journey that reflects your values, passions, and vision for change. However, achieving meaningful and lasting impact requires more than good intentions. It calls for a thoughtful, well-crafted philanthropic strategic plan.

Giving vehicles are growing at a tremendous rate as well as the assets housed inside of them. This suggests that philanthropists are hungry for a sophisticated approach to their tax and philanthropic planning. According to Bank of America’s latest report on Wealthy Americans, 91% of wealthy Americans surveyed are embracing philanthropy as a strategy to invest their wealth. Additionally, the study points to the great wealth transfer of $84 trillion is well underway; Baby Boomers are passing assets to Generation X and Millennials.

With so much at stake, having a sound philanthropic strategic plan is not only prudent but also gratifying for philanthropists to know how to effectively guide their giving.

Client Spotlight

We celebrate First Bank’s partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation. First Bank CEO Adam Currie said, "This sponsorship reflects our shared values of community engagement, hard work, and creating opportunities for all, specifically the next generation." Every time the Canes score, First Bank will donate $100 to the Foundation. It’s inspiring to see two community-driven forces come together, amplifying their impact and creating experiences for young athletes, families, and underserved communities.

What We've Been Up To

What's Inspiring Us

Defending Philanthropy

Taking on Philanthropy's Toughest Critiques with Beth Breeze - The Giving Done Right Podcast (57 minute listen)

"It is terrible if we turned the word love of humankind....into something so problematic. On a daily basis, all people are using philanthropy to help people out in their darkest moments." Professor Beth Breeze shares why philanthropy is worth defending in this podcast interview. She balances thoughtful critique with a hopeful outlook. In her book In Defence of Philanthropy, Breeze highlights the critical role that civil society and nonprofits play in fostering vibrant democracies. The GPA team is grateful for her research and message.

2025 Trends in Philanthropy Report

11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 - The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy (1 hour read)

The trends report published by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy previews potential shifts and changes that will impact the philanthropic landscape this year. We are particularly intrigued by the trend "The Tax 'Cliff' in 2025 Could Mean Major Change for Philanthropy and Nonprofits" and what this means for nonprofits, philanthropists, and their advisors.

Women and the Future of Philanthropy

Are Women Donors the Key to Unlocking More Giving? - Stanford Social Innovation Review (15 minute read)

"We strongly believe that women are one of the most important keys to unlocking more philanthropic capital over the next decade." Authors Heather McLeod Grant and Jessica Robinson Love make a compelling case for advisors and nonprofit fundraisers to engage women philanthropists in specific ways to help them tap their philanthropic potential.

The Impact of Volunteering

Why Volunteering Is Worth It - Today, Explained (26 minute listen)

Some cynics think volunteering is not going to make an impact in a world overwhelmed with societal ills and climate challenges. This interview illustrates how your volunteer time can not only make a difference, but also serves as a powerful antidote to the loneliness epidemic. Author Robert Putnam, who penned Bowling Alone, takes a deep dive on the topic. With a new year upon us, there is no better time to start volunteering.

As you move into 2025, how will you put more strategy and intentionality into your philanthropy planning?



Gratefully,

Kaky + The GPA Team