While 89% of estate planning professionals have strategies for engaging the next generation, a significant opportunity remains untapped in the philanthropic space. Most advisors include adult children in planning meetings (63%) and facilitate values-based conversations (39%), yet only 21% actively involve the next generation in family philanthropic activities — despite philanthropy’s potential as a powerful engagement tool.

Nearly all respondents (89%) incorporate philanthropic planning with clients, revealing that charitable giving is primarily driven by passion for specific causes (70%), desire to create lasting impact (58%), and tax benefits (57%). These motivations create natural openings for meaningful cross-generational dialogue.

Family discussions about charitable causes and legacy aspirations serve multiple purposes: they enhance estate planning outcomes, improve financial communication within families, and provide advisors with valuable opportunities to build relationships with future inheritors. Philanthropy thus represents an underutilized bridge between generations that can strengthen both family bonds and advisor relationships.