Rethinking philanthropy in legacy planning
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In Family Office Magazine, Partner and Philanthropy Expert, Clare Stirzaker outlines how philanthropy is becoming an increasingly significant consideration for families thinking about succession, legacy and long-term financial planning.
Set against wider geopolitical and environmental uncertainty, and with the latest UBS Wealth Report highlighting the growing scale of wealth being transferred through bequests, the article considers why questions of legacy, including charitable giving, are taking on renewed importance within succession planning discussions.
While many individuals are motivated to give back, fewer have clarity on how to approach charitable giving in a way that reflects their values, achieves genuine impact and fits within a wider wealth strategy. Clare therefore explores why philanthropy should be treated as a core part of these conversations, rather than as an afterthought.
She emphasises the importance of starting with values-based discussions, enabling advisers to better understand what matters most to clients before turning to structures and tax planning. Clare also considers the growing focus on measurable impact – with research from KPMG’s Global Philanthropy Survey indicating that 71% of philanthropists now prioritise demonstrable impact when selecting causes to support – alongside the practical realities charities face around governance, reporting and limited resources. She highlights the need to balance transparency and trust, while managing expectations around what charities can realistically deliver.
Clare further underlines the benefits of integrating philanthropy early into financial and estate planning, particularly given that more than half of UK adults still do not have a will (Law Commission) and around 50% of high‑net‑worth individuals have not included a charitable gift within their estate planning (industry research). A thoughtful, joined-up approach can help families build trusted charitable relationships, avoid future disputes and pass on not just wealth, but shared values and purpose across generations.
The full article was first published in the Family Office Magazine (paywall) in April 2026.
