An Evening Exploring Philanthropy Across Generations

May 21, 2026

On April 22, we had the pleasure of hosting Philanthropy Across Generations, an evening with Community Foundation fundholders who are anticipating or actively navigating what comes next for their adult children and their family’s philanthropy.

For many families, the desire to pass down charitable values is clear. But the path forward and when to begin, how to engage, and how to create space for the next generation can feel less certain. This gathering was designed to explore those questions and situations.

The evening featured Sharna Goldseker, Founder of 21/64 and co-author of the award-winning book Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving. As a leading voice in multigenerational and next gen philanthropy, Sharna shared insights on how and why philanthropic perspectives often differ across generations, and why those differences can be a powerful opportunity rather than a challenge.

Generation Impact
Sharna Goldseker

One idea resonated throughout the evening: engaging the next generation is not about having all the answers; it’s about creating the conditions for exploration. The discussion highlighted the power of making time and space for the next generation to understand the values and viewpoints of their parent’s philanthropy and having an opportunity to share and shape their own.

Through Sharna’s remarks and candid conversations with local next gen philanthropists Adam Sledd and Elizabeth Dolan Wright, guests heard firsthand how meaningful exposure to philanthropy and building a lifelong desire to give back, often begins with the parents modeling generosity before direct conversations about it begin.

For Adam, that influence began when he saw the collection plate being passed at church, observed his parents’ involvement with local organizations, and was encouraged to build houses for Habitat for Humanity as a teenager.  Elizabeth shared how during her high school senior year at Collegiate, students raised money to plant a tree honoring their class, and parents matched those gifts. There was full participation from both the students and their parents during her year.

What starts with modeling or early introductions to philanthropy is often furthered with open dialogue and encouraging the next generation to shape their own path. For Elizabeth, it was as simple as her father encouraging her to build a relationship with the Community Foundation when she moved back to Richmond from Chicago with her young family. This led her to establish a donor-advised fund (DAF) and start the Common Wealth Public Art Fund.

Adam shared that now as an adult, he is beginning to have these conversations with his parents more frequently. “My dad has a lot of wisdom to share. He might not always see it that way, but he has a lifetime of experience giving back in this community.” Adam hopes his dad will continue to share as he navigates his own philanthropy serving on nonprofit boards and contributing to causes he, his wife and his own children care about.

Commonwealth Public Art Fund

The evening also highlighted a common tension many families experience: balancing legacy with new perspectives. Rather than something to resolve, this dynamic was framed as a strength.  One that, when approached with intention, can deepen both family connection and philanthropic impact. Sharna encouraged attendees to start simply, “start by talking about your values and explore where they align. Really listen and find ways to support them if possible. These moments can eventually lead to a more common understanding about the impact you hope to make now, and the legacy you will one day pass on.”

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We are grateful to our host committee, speakers, and guests for contributing to such a thoughtful and forward-thinking conversation. We look forward to continuing to partner with families as they navigate this journey and build philanthropic legacies that evolve and endure across generations and stewarding the next generation of philanthropists as they shape their own giving in the years to come.

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