The study also found that 51 per cent started to make significant transfers before reaching £1 million.

This comes against the backdrop of substantial intergenerational wealth transfer, with a third of respondents expecting to receive inheritances of £1 million or more. This suggests that philanthropy could accelerate in the coming years, the UK-based bank said in a statement yesterday.

Fieldwork for the study was conducted in March and April this year.

“The view of philanthropy amongst HNW individuals in the UK is shifting to become an integral part of wealth planning. As the research shows, once individuals reach key milestones in their wealth journey, they increasingly want their money to carry meaning as well as value,” said Juliet Agnew, head of philanthropy at Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management.

“There is a major opportunity for all kinds of financial advisors to play a more proactive role in guiding and supporting donors.”

Agnew’s comments come as the business of advising wealthy clients on philanthropy is becoming increasingly sophisticated and multi-faceted, as explored in this article here.

Starting the conversation
While 81 per cent of HNW individuals want advisors to raise the topic of philanthropy proactively, only a third say this has actually happened. Expert guidance helps donors clarify their intent, align giving with personal values and financial goals, and navigate complex areas such as charity governance and impact measurement.

Philanthropy specialists exert the greatest influence on major giving (43 per cent), followed by tax specialists (34 per cent), family offices (33 per cent) and wealth managers (29 per cent).

Giving levels are also increasing. Median annual donations have more than doubled in recent years, rising from £5,500 in 2019 to £12,000 in 2025.

Organisations that clearly demonstrate their mission, credibility and measurable results are more likely to attract major gifts. Two-thirds of HNW donors seek social or environmental impact. Among younger donors aged 18 to 34, 44 per cent require evidence of impact before making large contributions – nearly double the proportion among older donors.

Top causes include health and social welfare (supported by nearly 80 per cent of respondents), followed by climate and environmental causes (73 per cent) and social justice and development (69 per cent).

Partners for the report include The Beacon Collaborative, Bayes Business School, NPC, Pears Foundation, Remember a Charity and Savanta. Data from The Beacon Collaborative’s HNW Philanthropy Market Sizing project is also referenced.