New York, NY (September 26, 2024) — 21/64 today unveiled the findings from what is believed to be the first 20-year longitudinal study examining the evolution of a next gen philanthropic donor program.  Grand Street empowers next generation donors as they step into their personal and family giving. Supported by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, this milestone report provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of next gen donors and offers forward-thinking strategies for engaging this critical group in philanthropy.

Since its inception in 2003 as a program under the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, and later becoming an independent nonprofit in 2015, 21/64 has become a trailblazer in developing next gen donor engagement strategies. The organization was among the first to recognize the influence and potential of younger generations—Gen X and Millennials—at a time when philanthropy was largely dominated by Traditionalists and Baby Boomers.

“It wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a necessity,” says Sharna Goldseker, founder of 21/64 and visionary behind Grand Street. "Two decades later, we’ve seen a complete transformation in the philanthropic landscape, with countless programs aimed at engaging the next generation."

Through the Grand Street program, 21/64 has equipped next gen donors with the tools and confidence to navigate their philanthropic responsibilities, making lasting impact within their communities. The study highlights the transformative power of engaging next gen donors early, fostering agency, independence, and leadership.

Key Findings: 

• 94% of participants expressed feeling empowered and confident in their philanthropic identity following the program. 
• 83% of participants said they experienced a shift in their identity and agency concerning philanthropy, transitioning from inheriting family values to developing their own philanthropic principles and priorities. 
• 83% of participants became involved with or continued to be involved with family foundations, with 72 percent remarking on the importance of intergenerational engagement and learning within family philanthropy. 
• 78% reported that Jewish values played a significant role in shaping their philanthropy, with Grand Street helping many reconnect with their Jewish roots.

"Grand Street was the first invitation to a table where our voices mattered, intentionally, to actually be part of the discussion, not just token next gen,” says Joya Sonnenfeldt, Grand Street Alumni. “We were listened to and invited to think for ourselves, to bring our own ideas, and that encouraged me to start sorting through my own values and priorities, alongside my existing family values, for our foundation and our business.”

For family members and philanthropic professionals seeking to engage the next generation in family philanthropy, organizational boards, or donor networks, the report highlights several key recommendations:

• Invest in individuals during their formative years to build self-confidence and a sense of agency. 
• Empower individuals to define their own values and vision, enabling them to appreciate the importance of their ideas. 
• Offer facilitation, not events. Create opportunities for self-reflection, learning, and transformational insights. 
• Create tools that catalyze conversations and provide the necessary skills, tools, and support to help participants create meaningful and lasting impact.

With the twentieth cohort of Grand Street convening in 2024, the program continues to shape the future of philanthropy. The success of Grand Street has given rise to other significant next gen donor programs and initiatives in the sector and helped inspire philanthropic learning journeys across the globe.

For more information, please contact: Andine Sutarjadi, Director, 21/64