Dear Reader,

This month marks our 6th anniversary as a firm. We're fortunate to have grown to a team of 8 professionals helping philanthropists at moments of inflection. Our growth is fueled by philanthropists' genuine curiosity in their communities and the passing of the baton from one generation of leaders to the next in a family. We're proud to partner with so many thoughtful leaders in the field to help guide effective giving strategies.

GPA is looking forward to 2026. What opportunities will arise in this moment of transition? What new expectations will donors and communities bring? And how can we help direct resources to the places where they can make the greatest impact?

In our anniversary reflections, we highlight five shifts we believe will meaningfully shape the philanthropic landscape in the years ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey.

What We've Been Up To

Members of our team attended the 2025 Philanthropy Southeast Annual Meeting this month in New Orleans, a gathering where ideas and innovation naturally intersect. Sessions by Raj Chetty addressing economic mobility and the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy on trends were particularly compelling. It was wonderful to reconnect with many friends, clients and former clients.

What's Inspiring Us

Storytelling and Resilience

The Family Stories That Bind Us - The New York Times (6 minute read)

An oldie, but a goodie! This is one of our favorite pieces illustrating the importance of our work. Bruce Feiler's research, captured beautifully in this article, reflects that families, communities, and organizations grow stronger when they hold a shared narrative about who they are, what they’ve overcome, and what they stand for. For those of us working in family philanthropy, this research offers a meaningful parallel. Philanthropic families are shaped by strategy, and also by the stories they carry. As we gather with family and community this season, share your family stories!

A Family's Spiritual Capital

Spiritual Capital: The Foundation for Flourishing Families - The James E. Hughes, Jr. Foundation (11 minute listen)

In their short film, James E. Hughes Jr. and Dr. Lisa Miller of The James E. Hughes, Jr. Foundation invite us to reflect on "Spiritual Capital": the often-unseen dimension of flourishing that weaves together wisdom, science and the human spirit. The film challenges us to look at life through an "awakened awareness" that asks, What is life showing me now? What is being revealed here? Lisa’s call to curiosity beautifully dovetails with our work in philanthropy, prompting us to think more deeply about the ways we choose to show up and give. We see Spiritual Capital as a vital part of advisory work, helping families hold wealth and wisdom with intention.

Compelling Research

Mounting Pressure: U.S. Foundations and Nonprofits - The Center for Effective Philanthropy (10 minute read)

CEP's research draws on responses from over 400 nonprofit leaders and 200 foundation leaders. What stands out to us is:

• 30% of foundations surveyed have increased payout in 2025 beyond prior plans, while 64% have provided emergency or rapid‑response grants, with another 15% considering doing so.
• 46% of nonprofit respondents are concerned about the possibility of their organization needing to close or merge. These insights reflect a sector navigating change and adaptation, with organizations thoughtfully responding to evolving needs.

Position Announcement

GPA is hiring! We're hiring for a part-time Director of Operations and Finance role to manage the critical internal functions of our growing firm. We're looking for a problem solver and systems thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset. Please email us at search@grantphilanthropy.com to apply.

Check out the latest on GPA's blog:

• Setting the Table: A Conversation on Generosity and Giving
• Legacy in Motion | What Do I Do Now? Turning Intentions into Impactful Legacy
• GPA’s 6th Anniversary | What Lies Ahead?

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope the conversations around your table are filled with meaning and gratitude for family and community.

Gratefully,

Kaky + The GPA Team