Despite their growing influence, there is a limited understanding of how younger generations approach philanthropy in Australia: what drives their decisions, what causes they care about, and what support they may need.

The AEGN’s research explores the interests, funding approaches, and current levels of philanthropic knowledge and engagement of next generation donors. This report presents key findings from the research, offering insights to help align intergenerational wealth with the values and aspirations of younger donors.

Australia is entering a pivotal moment. The climate and biodiversity crises are intensifying,
and we are at the halfway point of the critical decade for climate action. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to accelerate the solutions on the ground, and encouragingly, many next generation donors are embracing best practice philanthropy, laying the foundation for lasting and systemic impact.

At the same time, an unprecedented $5.4 trillion in intergenerational wealth will be transferred from the Builder (1928-1945), Baby Boomer (1946-1964), and Gen X (1965-1980) generations to their children over the next two decades from 2024-2044. This wealth transfer is reshaping the philanthropic giving landscape in Australia, with a growing number of next generation Gen Y (1981-1996) and Gen Z (1997-2012) donors bringing different expectations and motivations, driven by values of equity, impact and authenticity.

Key findings of the report include:

• The environment emerges as the top priority for next generation donors, with
  83% citing it as their top cause to fund, followed by funding for human rights (50%)
  and First Nations causes (46%).
• Next generation donors care about how change happens: they favour funding the
  foundations (76%) such as resourcing staff and capacity within charities, followed by legislative change (72%) and advocacy (50%).
• Looking ahead to 2035, next generation donors expect the environment (93%) to
  remain the defining issue they fund, a signal that urgency won’t ease soon.
• The leading motivations of next generation donors are making a positive impact (76%),
  followed by their passion for a cause (64%), and a sense of purpose (48%).
• Women are expected to inherit more than 65% of the wealth transfer, positioning them
  as powerful players in the future of giving.