Philanthropy in a PandemicPhilanthropy in a Pandemic

The year 2020 has ushered in unexpected and unprecedented challenges across a myriad of dimensions, from health to wealth to family and philanthropy. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—and the ensuing turbulent markets and global economic shutdown—have spurred many family offices to revisit their philanthropic strategies. Civil unrest in the pursuit of racial equality and justice have added further impetus, compelling many to consider, and at times enact, meaningful change.

Over the past few months, we’ve undertaken countless consultations with philanthropic families regarding today’s landscape and its potential impact on their giving strategy. For this article, we supplemented those discussions with extensive interviews with philanthropi...