As the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is marking two decades of charitable impact while entering a new phase of growth and innovation.
Since its founding, Invest in Others has disbursed over $8 million in grants while recognizing hundreds of advisors for their charitable efforts and leadership. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have benefited and more than 700 nonprofit organizations have been served, Invest in Others says.
As part of a three-year strategic plan, the organization raised more than $1 million at its 2025 Awards Gala and secured a $6 million grant to expand its Grant Program from the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust.
Earlier this year, Invest in Others introduced a redesigned governance model that established a Leadership Council that it says was designed to deepen industry engagement among advisors, bring diverse perspectives to the table and ensure that the voice of those it serves remains central to the organization’s mission.
We caught up with Barkley Payne, President and CEO of Invest in Others, to discuss the founding of Invest in Others, how the industry currently views charitable giving and philanthropy, and how charitable giving and philanthropy are shaping the next generation of advisors.
WSR: Tell us about the vision and considerations that led to the founding of Invest in Others.
Payne: Invest in Others was established in response to the overwhelming enthusiasm following LPL Financial’s 2006 national conference which was themed, “Invest in Others.” Financial advisors were encouraged to share stories of their charitable efforts, and the powerful response highlighted a deep commitment to community service across the industry.
Advisors across the country, of all ages and stages in their careers, had compelling stories of volunteerism, advocacy and charitable work supporting the causes and communities they care about most. It became clear there was a powerful opportunity to elevate these stories and amplify their impact, leading to the creation of Invest in Others. Inspired by that momentum, Invest in Others was founded as a 501(c)(3) charity organization later that year.
WSR: How does the industry currently view charitable giving and philanthropy? What does that mean for advisors?
Payne: The financial services industry, including advisors, increasingly recognizes the importance of “giving back and paying it forward.” However, there remains a meaningful gap between awareness and action. Studies suggest many advisors feel unprepared to guide clients on charitable giving, often due to limited training or familiarity with philanthropic strategies. As a result, these conversations are frequently overlooked, even as client demand continues to grow. This disconnect presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Clients, particularly younger and high net worth individuals, are placing greater emphasis on purpose-driven wealth and legacy planning. Advisors who are not equipped to engage in philanthropic discussions risk missing a key dimension of holistic financial planning, while those who embrace it can deepen trust and differentiate themselves.
Invest in Others is uniquely positioned to help shift this dynamic. By amplifying, celebrating and inspiring the real-world charitable impact of financial advisors, the organization reinforces that giving is not ancillary. It is integral to the profession!
Through storytelling, recognition, and community-building, Invest in Others helps advisors see what’s possible, building confidence and inspiring them to incorporate charitable efforts more meaningfully into their work.
WSR: How are charitable giving and philanthropy shaping the next generation of advisors and professionals?
Charitable giving and philanthropy are increasingly shaping how the next generation of advisors defines success, purpose and client relationships.
Payne: Charitable giving and philanthropy are increasingly shaping how the next generation of advisors defines success, purpose and client relationships. Younger professionals entering the industry are more values-driven and expect their work to align with a broader social impact. For them, wealth management is not just about financial returns, it’s about helping clients use their resources to make a difference.
This shift is also being driven by client demand. As wealth transfers to younger generations, clients are prioritizing purpose-driven planning, including charitable giving, impact investing and legacy-building strategies. Advisors who can engage in these conversations are better positioned to build deeper, more meaningful relationships and remain relevant in a changing landscape.
Charitable giving and philanthropy are key differentiators for emerging advisors. Those who actively participate in charitable work or help clients give more strategically can stand out in a competitive field.
Charitable giving and philanthropy are key differentiators for emerging advisors.
Invest in Others plays a critical role in this evolution by spotlighting advisors doing impactful charitable work and providing a platform for recognition, inspiration and grants that support the nonprofits advisors care about. By elevating these stories, the organization helps shape a future where giving is not an add-on but a defining element of the profession.
Jeff Berman, Contributing Editor and Reporter at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at jeff.berman@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
