Impact-Driven Philanthropy

In 2021, individual donors gave two-thirds of the total philanthropic dollars in the U.S. Our Impact-Driven Philanthropy Initiative is designed to support them in distributing more money with fewer restrictions to organizations working to dismantle the root causes of inequity and transform the systems that created them.

  • 484.85 Billion
    Individuals, foundations, and corporations gave an estimated $484.85 billion to causes in the U.S. in 2021.
  • 67%
    Individuals give 67% of total annual philanthropic dollars in the U.S.
  • 9%
    9% of donors do comparative research before giving.

Redirecting resources to changemakers

Two things are true: wealth inequality has dramatically increased in recent decades, and philanthropic support for communities most impacted by this inequality has been shockingly low. We convene and invest in organizations working to reshape how high-capacity individuals give. 

These groups are mobilizing individual donors to stand with communities long overlooked by philanthropy. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, we help these donors recognize their role in building a more just society and expanding opportunity for all. Shifting more resources—with fewer restrictions—to those driving change is one of the best ways to transform our society for the better.

You have done an amazing job building a true community with the potential to go far and transform the donor support infrastructure. That takes serious commitment and responsiveness, and flexibility, not to mention perseverance. You should be proud.

Participant, Impact Driven Philanthropy Collaborative

Amplifying impact through collaboration

Building connections is core to our strategy: if you want to shift a system, you need to get the system in the room. We supported the launch of the Impact-Driven Philanthropy Collaborative, which brings together organizations and individuals committed to shifting how high-capacity donors give, with a goal to move resources and power to those on the frontlines working to change inequitable systems. It’s time to level the playing field for all Americans.

See our other strategies