Emergent Philanthropists: America's Evolving Ethnic Donor Groups

Traditionally, the affluent have been middle-aged, white, married men whose wealth was inherited or self-made through business ventures. Today, an affluent household is just as likely to be headed by someone younger, more entrepreneurial, a minority, a woman or a combination of these.

Emerging affluence
Emerging into prominence on the philanthropic scene are three ethnic groups: African-Americans, Asian-heritage and Hispanic-heritage donors. They share the sense of obligation to help others, and much of their giving is linked to family and kinship, therefore more personal and informal. Religion plays a large role in these communities’ traditions of giving as well.