Trends in Family Philanthropy 2025

What is the Trends Report?

The National Center for Family Philanthropy is launching its third Trends report that captures and tracks leading trends in the field of family philanthropy. Conducted every five years, this research identifies emerging issues, changes in funding priorities and governance practices, innovative approaches to giving and decision making, and anticipated future giving patterns and practices among US-based philanthropic families nationally. Ultimately, it aims to equip donors with data they can apply to their decision making.

NCFP has partnered with an independent research company, Prism Partners Group, to administer this survey. The survey has now closed. Use the button below to receive a copy of the report when it is published.

Send me the report

Who was invited to complete the survey?

This survey was available to be completed by those involved in family philanthropy—primarily family board, donors, or executive staff members.

We are using the word “philanthropy” or ”philanthropies” to connote shared family giving through a number of different vehicles, including private or pass-through foundations, donor-advised funds (DAF), LLCs, or another form of philanthropic intermediary. We asked those completing the survey to respond in relation to their primary shared family philanthropic vehicle unless otherwise specified.

If you would like to view the survey in PDF form you can view it here: General Survey. Note, if a respondent’s primary giving vehicle was a Donor Advised Fund they were prompted to use this version: Survey for DAF Holders.

What happens to my data?

We will keep all the information you provide confidential. We will report your information only in summary form. Prism research staff members will be the only people to review and analyze this data.

What is the deadline to take the survey?

The survey is now closed.

When will the report be available?

The report is expected to be available in the fall of 2024. If you would like to receive a copy please let us know here.

Questions

If you have questions regarding this survey please contact Julie Slay, Ph.D at trends2025@prismpartnersgroup.com.

Past Trends Reports

Trends 2020

Results of the Second National Benchmark Survey of Family Foundations shares updated trends on the governance and management practices of U.S. family foundations, and includes new questions relevant to ongoing changes in the field including issues of equity, place-based giving, transparency, the role of the donor, and the question of spend down versus perpetuity.

Trends 2015

This report, conducted by the Urban Institute in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, shares results and key findings from the first national benchmark survey of family foundations. Key findings included those on size and scope, place-based giving, family dynamics, and engaging the next generation.