At Bank of America’s Family Office Forum on September 26th, moderated by Joshua Rief, Managing Director, Family Office Strategist at Bank of America Private Bank a discussion featuring Kat Rosqueta, founding executive director of the Center for High Impact Philanthropy, and Dianne Bailey, a High Impact Philanthropy Academy alum and national philanthropic strategy executive, focusing on strategic considerations for charitable giving.
Rosqueta outlined the principles of high impact philanthropy, emphasizing that it’s not about the amount of money but rather the intent behind the gift. “High impact philanthropy focuses on using wealth to create meaningful change,” she explained. The approach requires prioritizing social impact, using evidence to guide decisions, and maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning.
The panelists also highlighted emerging trends in the sector, including the growing role of women in philanthropy, the influence of technology, and the blurring lines between traditional giving, investing, and spending. Rosqueta also discussed the importance of aligning gifts with family values and ensuring recipient organizations are prepared to manage transformative donations.
The session concluded with an emphasis on adapting strategies to different philanthropic approaches—from direct services to innovation—while encouraging families to integrate their values into giving for lasting impact.
“Philanthropy is an expression of values and use of private wealth in service of the public good,” Rosqueta said.