The TPI Study of the Philanthropic Conversation – Full Report

Background and Objectives

From December 2025 to January 2026, The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) conducted a research project co-sponsored by DAFgiving360TM and Foundation Source, with additional support from the Boston Foundation. This research builds on prior iterations conducted in 2013 and 2018 and provides valuable information for professional advisors (“advisors”) and their clients, donors, nonprofit professionals, and others interested in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

The current study revisits and expands upon key themes from past versions from the perspective of both professional advisors and high-net-worth (“HNW”) clients engaged in philanthropy, including:

• An understanding of the extent and dynamics of philanthropic conversations between advisors and their HNW clients.
• A measure of the importance of the philanthropic conversation to advisors and HNW clients.
• An assessment of advisors’ and HNW clients’ respective roles in and responsibility for conducting the philanthropic conversation.
• An exploration of the tendencies of advisors and experiences of HNW clients with respect to the content of the philanthropic conversation.
• A comparison of advisors’ perceptions of HNW clients’ motivations and hesitations to engage in philanthropy with reasons provided by clients.
• An assessment of advisors’ knowledge, expertise, and ability to provide philanthropic guidance to their clients.
• A confirmation that discussing philanthropy with clients increases advisors’ business in a variety of ways.

The comprehensive data presented and analyzed was gathered from two surveys. The first survey was conducted among a broad, random, national sample of financial/wealth advisors (not company/firm specific), trust and estate attorneys, and tax advisors/accountants who advise HNW clients. The second survey was conducted among HNW clients with $5 million or more in investable assets and who are actively engaged in charitable giving or philanthropy. A total of 300 professional advisors and 103 HNW clients met the respective criteria and completed the surveys.