We are thrilled to announce the release of Philanthropy’s Meaningful Middle: Good Practices for the Middle-Tier Donor, an insightful paper co-authored by Nathaniel Heller, VP and Managing Director at Geneva Global, and Clare Golla, National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services at Bernstein Private Wealth Management. This collaboration sheds light on the often-overlooked but critically important segment of donors—the “Meaningful Middle”—who give between $1 million and $25 million annually.
These donors are vital to the philanthropic ecosystem, bridging the gap between mass-market donors and megadonors. Yet, despite their significance, they often receive far less attention than their wealthier counterparts. This paper seeks to elevate the role of Meaningful Middle donors, explore the unique challenges they face, and highlight effective strategies for maximizing their impact. Read the full paper here.
Key Takeaways:
Making a Philanthropic Impact Is Complex
Managing wealth and charitable giving is complex and challenging. Limited staff support, lack of internal systems, and Isolation from “professional” philanthropic networks make giving back harder than it should be. Most Meaningful Middle donors are operating with 0–5 staff. Strategies exist for philanthropists and strategic partners with service providers—investment advisors, philanthropic advisors, and tax specialists. There is no ‘right way’ to thrive as a Meaningful Middle donor—but there are existing strategies.
Tremendous Impact, Less Attention
Meaningful Middle donors are individuals, families, or foundations giving $1–25 million annually. They bridge the gap between mass-market donors and mega-philanthropists and often support local initiatives and medium-sized organizations. Many Meaningful Middle donors hold DAFs, which give out 20% annually versus the average 5% that foundations distribute.
Megadonors Are Often Inaccessible to Nonprofits and Vice Versa
Most nonprofits are seeking new donors but don’t know where to look. Seventy-five percent of US charitable giving comes from individuals and yet, most organizations can’t identify or access megadonors. Supporting local initiatives is one area where Meaningful Middle donors play a crucial role and have significant leadership opportunities in the broader philanthropy ecosystem. This type of place-based philanthropy is often a poor fit for megadonors, who frequently have little or no connection with specific local communities. But Meaningful Middle donors—who focus on communities where they built businesses, where they raised families, and where they currently invest—do.
Next Gen Philanthropists Need a Roadmap
As we enter into a historic $30 trillion wealth transfer across the United States, much of this transfer will be in the form of assets for which the next generation may not have ready use. Engaging in an assessment of potential philanthropic value of less obvious balance-sheet line items is worthwhile for any donor seeking to expand their philanthropy.
Nonprofits Need the Meaningful Middle
Meaningful Middle donors can bring the best of both worlds to social change work. They bring relational capital to help local actors and organizations grow and diversify, often have interest in exploring structures and strategies beyond traditional grantmaking, and the ability to give at levels beyond the mass market donor.
