Tanya Masiyiwa, the 32-year-old daughter of Zimbabwean telecom billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, credits her mother for pushing her to attend her first Next Gen meeting in 2015. Since then, she has become deeply involved in her family’s foundation, Higherlife Foundation, and Delta Philanthropies, supporting education, health, disaster relief, and more in African countries. Her parents have instilled in her the importance of impacting children’s lives through philanthropy, a mission she takes seriously after attending the Next Gen meetings.
These Next Gen gatherings provide a community and resources for children and grandchildren of Giving Pledge signers to pursue philanthropy. The group has grown to 300 members worldwide, ranging in age from 21 to 75, and hosts an annual gathering, along with dinners and programming to discuss topics like decision-making, raising philanthropic children, and the role of spouses in philanthropy. The group has facilitated difficult conversations within families, encouraging them to plan for the future and engage in charitable giving in a meaningful way.
The Next Gen members have been invited to the Giving Pledge’s annual gathering for the first time this year. With many Giving Pledge members aging and a significant intergenerational transfer of wealth happening, the Next Gen’s involvement is crucial. The group is already deeply involved in their families’ philanthropy, such as Katherine Lorenz, who has been leading her grandparents’ foundation since 2011. The Next Gen group has spurred discussions on the pace of charitable giving, with some members advocating for faster spending down of assets to have a bigger impact.
Difficult conversations around philanthropic planning, wealth distribution, and impact will be at the forefront of discussions at the upcoming Giving Pledge gathering. The departure of Melinda French Gates from the Gates Foundation also raises questions about the future of the Pledge, as she was a key figure in its creation. Conversations will be crucial in determining how hundreds of billions of philanthropic dollars will be distributed and the ripple effects this will have around the world.
The Next Gen group, with its diverse members and range of ages, offers a unique perspective on philanthropy and wealth distribution. By fostering discussions around charitable giving, planning, and impact, the group is pushing for a more intentional and impactful approach to philanthropy among families. Their involvement in the Giving Pledge’s annual gathering this year marks a significant step towards including the next generation in the decision-making processes around charitable giving and impact.
