In the swiftly changing realm of philanthropy, professional advisors like you are vital in helping clients align their financial contributions with their personal values. At The London Community Foundation, we recognise the increasing interest in purpose-driven giving, particularly among our donors. As philanthropy becomes a significant focus in discussions about wealth management, we are well-equipped to help you guide your clients toward impactful giving while honouring their privacy.
Evolving philanthropic landscape
In conversations with high-net-worth individuals, families, and their professional advisors, I’ve observed a growing trend toward prioritising philanthropy. This shift is fuelled by a strong desire to drive meaningful change in areas such as local giving and social and climate justice. Donors increasingly value seeing tangible outcomes from their contributions and often seek opportunities to engage directly with the causes they support. They are also eager to connect with new grassroots organisations, reflecting a commitment to fostering innovation and community-driven solutions. At the same time, privacy remains paramount for many, as they prefer to make an impact without seeking public recognition or acknowledgement.
Despite this growing interest in philanthropy, recent data highlights a significant gap in the scale of charitable contributions. Less than 1% of charitable estates have included gifts exceeding £500,000. Yet, according to Smee & Ford, these larger gifts account for over a quarter (26%) of the legacy income in the charitable sector—amounting to approximately £1 billion annually based on current market values .
This evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for professional advisors. While philanthropy enriches client engagement and strengthens relationships, it demands specialized knowledge, local insights, and an understanding of diverse funding strategies. You must also navigate the delicate balance of respecting your clients’ wishes for discretion and privacy. This is where The London Community Foundation plays a vital role, offering expert support to help you guide clients toward impactful, meaningful, and confidential giving.
How can The London Community Foundation help you and your clients?
With decades of experience connecting donors to impactful community causes, The London Community Foundation is a trusted partner for professional advisors across London and beyond. We help guide your clients through the complexities of giving in 2025. Whether clients aim to create a public legacy or contribute privately, we provide tailored solutions to meet their individual needs.
1. Customised giving solutions
Every donor’s philanthropic journey is unique. At The London Community Foundation, we design personalised giving options, from establishing donor-advised funds to supporting existing initiatives. Our expertise ensures that advisors like you can confidently help your clients create solutions that align with their values, passions, and financial goals. For those who prefer discretion, we offer confidential giving options that allow clients to keep their contributions and funding activities private, ideal for those wishing to manage their philanthropy quietly or avoid public recognition.
2. Local expertise
Navigating where and how to give can be overwhelming, but our deep knowledge of London’s communities enables us to identify areas of critical need and organisations driving meaningful change. This expertise enables you to guide clients toward donations that achieve maximum impact. London is a city of incredible opportunity, diversity, and innovation, yet it also faces significant challenges, including high levels of poverty, homelessness, and stark inequalities in health and education. Over a third of children in London live in poverty, and the housing crisis continues to escalate, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. However, grassroots organisations across the city provide powerful, localised solutions to these issues. By addressing these challenges, together we can create a more equitable London where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, ensuring the city’s success benefits all its residents and serves as a model for positive change globally.
3. Private giving
Establishing a fund with The London Community Foundation offers a seamless and confidential solution for clients who value discretion. We handle all aspects of fund administration, reporting, and grant-making, ensuring that clients remain in the background while their contributions make a visible difference. This efficient process allows clients to focus on their impact without stepping into the limelight.
4. Legacy development
For those seeking to create an enduring legacy, The London Community Foundation provides comprehensive support for planned giving. You can work with us to establish endowments or incorporate philanthropy into estate plans, ensuring your clients’ values and generosity resonate for generations to come—all while maintaining their desired level of privacy.
The importance of philanthropy in wealth management
Incorporating philanthropy into wealth planning provides advantages for both clients and advisors. It infuses a sense of purpose into your client's financial journey, fosters a tangible bond with their community, and delivers reassurance regarding privacy. For you as the advisor, it strengthens client relationships, builds trust, and opens avenues for multigenerational wealth discussions.
As more socially conscious clients and their families emphasise social impact, advisors who recognise and embrace this shift and the significance of confidentiality will distinguish themselves. Philanthropy presents an opportunity to engage with clients more profoundly, fostering meaningful relationships beyond financial returns.
A beneficial partnership for both advisors and clients
Creating a fund with The London Community Foundation provides clients an impactful, strategic, and discreet way to contribute. Whether they wish to build a public legacy or prefer to give quietly, we offer the expertise, flexibility, and privacy needed to accomplish their goals.
By partnering with The London Community Foundation, professional advisors like you can effectively assist your clients in reaching their philanthropic ambitions while enhancing your trusted advisor status. Together, we can ensure your clients' generosity results in a significant change in London.
Ready to support your clients in making a meaningful impact in 2025 and beyond, both publicly or privately? Contact us today to discover how we can help you fulfil your client's philanthropic objectives.