Broadening Leadership, Expanding Impact
When leadership draws from the same perspectives for too long, imagination narrows. The future of family philanthropy depends on shared authority, fresh insight, and lived experience at every table. More than half of all private foundations are family-led, and most boards remain composed primarily of family members (Exponent Philanthropy, 2024).
Future Funders exists to expand what’s possible—connecting proximate leaders with opportunities to serve, guide, and grow the field we all care about.
By the Numbers.
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CEOs
86% of foundation CEOs identify as white (Exponent Philanthropy, 2022).
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Trustees
As much as 91% of foundation trustees identify as white (Exponent Philanthropy, 2022).
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Assets
Family foundations control 44% of all foundation assets (~$294B) (Council on Foundations, 2025).
Leadership homogeneity limits philanthropy’s reach and imagination—but it also opens the door to transformation.
Power to Shape the Future
Family foundations are in the unique positon to:
Expand leadership pipelines by opening doors to proximate voices.
Broaden who serves on boards to strengthen trust and long-term relevance.
Unlock philanthropy’s full potential through pluralistic leadership.
By broadening who leads, family foundations can deepen trust, spark innovation, and ensure that billions in philanthropic capital achieve their highest purpose.
OUR GOAL
2035 by 2035
By 2035, Future Funders will place over 2,000 proximate CEOs and trustees into family foundation leadership.
This is more than a goal—it’s a generational shift. By expanding who leads, we’re creating the conditions for inclusive, imaginative leadership that strengthens philanthropy from within and ensures its relevance for decades to come.
HELP SHAPE A NEW ERA OF PHILANTHROPY
FOUNDATIONS
Future-proof your organization. Modernize leadership and governance while honoring your legacy.
LEADERS
Step into boardrooms and CEO roles where your lived and professional experience shapes systems and drives change.