Poll Results: What Making an Impact Means for You

By: Michael Fuchs
Pie chart of overall poll results: philanthropy focus, 36%; business focus, 16%; and family focus 48%

Building your family legacy. Growing your business. Supporting your philanthropic causes. What causes matter to you the most? Here's what our poll found.

How would you like to make a difference with your wealth—through your family legacy, your business, or your philanthropy? To help our clients better determine their focus, we conducted a five-question poll.

The pie chart above shows the results: Most of you (48%) are family focused, which means you find creating a family legacy an enriching experience. Not far behind is philanthropy (36%), which means you’re more focused on supporting causes that are important to you, your family, and your business. Sixteen percent find focusing on business more rewarding, perhaps running a long-term family business or considering creating a startup.

What answers led to these conclusions? Read on for the results.

Question 1

What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of making an impact?

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  • Guiding and nurturing my family: 52%
  • Helping causes I care about: 35%
  • Creating or growing a business that reflects my values: 13%

Question 2

What are your biggest concerns that could hinder your ability to achieve your desired impact?

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  • Finding the time or opportunity to support causes I believe in: 39%
  • Getting my family members on the same page for legacy planning: 37%
  • Creating a sustainable business plan that supports my values: 24%

Question 3

What is the main way you want to make an impact?

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  • Through nurturing my family: 41%
  • Through voluntourism, board leadership, or financial contributions to a charity: 41%
  • Through my innovation and business leadership: 18%

Question 4

What key partners will you include in conversations with your financial and tax advisors about achieving your goals?

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  • My family: 64%
  • Charitable and community leaders: 24%
  • My business partners: 12%

Question 5

Which quote is closest to your vision for making an impact?

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  • “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead: 37%
  • “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson: 33%
  • “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley: 30%