As government priorities change, markets rise and fall, and public funding becomes less certain, many ministries and nonprofits are asking an important question: Who will step in to help meet growing needs? At the same time, one of the largest transfers of wealth in history, known as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” is beginning. Together, these changes are shaping the future of charitable giving. While many see uncertainty, Christian believers can see an opportunity for hope and generosity.
Scripture teaches that generosity is about more than money. God gives generously to His people. His people reflect His character. When God blesses us with resources, He also gives opportunities to use those resources to love others, strengthen communities, and serve His kingdom. Proverbs 11:10 (NIV) reminds us that “when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” Generosity not only benefits the person giving. It can also bless entire communities. Whether through the giving of time, skills, words, or financial resources, God uses generosity from believers to bring hope to the world.
Opportunity to pour out blessing is becoming even greater as the Great Wealth Transfer begins. The Great Wealth Transfer refers to the historic movement of potentially more than $100 trillion from the Baby Boomer generation and older donors to heirs in younger generations over the coming decades. Of that huge amount, analysts estimate $18 trillion could go to charity. How those resources are planned, managed, and distributed will help shape the future of charitable giving. Some of these assets will certainly be directed toward charities and nonprofits that reflect the values and beliefs of the next generations.
Changes in how organizations receive support are already occurring. As some public (or government-sponsored) funding decreases, individual and corporate donors are stepping in to support ministries they care about. Government funding can provide operational resources, but personal generosity often creates something more: relationships. When believers give, they invest more than financial support. They provide encouragement, prayer, service, wisdom, and long-term partnership with ministries. Some even build personal relationships with recipients of the ministries’ outreach.
As wealth changes hands in the years ahead, Christians have a unique opportunity to seek first the kingdom of God in the world. The Great Wealth Transfer is an economic shift—but it is also so much more. It is an opportunity for equipping those with a heart to serve to go into communities with gospel care—and without government strings attached.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. — Malachi 3:10
Why? The resources we have today can help spread the gospel and encourage the growth of God’s kingdom. By learning to give generously, we can help create lasting change that reaches through generations.
