Stewardship, succession and the future of charitable giving: Insights from Perpetual Wealth 

As a principal sponsor of Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026, Perpetual Wealth contributed the below article.

Jane Magor has been with Perpetual Wealth since 2011 and is National Manager, Philanthropy & Non Profit Services. Perpetual Wealth is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing providers of trustee and philanthropic services, helping individuals, families and organisations establish and manage charitable trusts, foundations and structured giving programs.  

In her role, Jane works closely with trustees, the custodians of charitable legacies, to ensure that entrusted funds create meaningful impact now and into the future. During her 15 years at Perpetual Wealth, the philanthropy team has almost tripled in size, reflecting the growth of the philanthropic sector in Australia as well as increasing demand for philanthropic advice and support. 

What it means to be a trustee 

Trustees have a legal responsibility to protect a trust and its purpose, ensuring the founder’s intentions continue to be honoured in line with community needs.  

“Trusteeship involves significant legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities, but it also carries a responsibility to the communities that the trust was established to support.  

“These are community funds, and it is essential that they are managed with strong oversight, accountability and a clear focus on purpose. As a professional trustee, Perpetual Wealth brings experience and deep expertise to help ensure that charitable legacies are governed effectively and continue to create meaningful impact over time.” 

Perpetual Wealth’s long-term approach centres on engaging with community leaders, understanding the sector and its needs, and investing in well-governed, highly capable for-purpose organisations that can deliver sustainable outcomes.  

“Philanthropists often tell us that giving away money well is the hardest part. With so much need and so many worthy causes, deciding which sectors and organisations to support, and what effective support looks like, is not always straightforward. 

“It’s a responsibility we take seriously. We believe the best decisions come from listening to communities, understanding their challenges, and working in partnership with them.” 

Perpetual Wealth’s philanthropy team is deeply connected to Australia’s for-purpose sector, with many having spent significant parts of their careers working in not-for-profit organisations.  

Succession planning for enduring purpose

As Australia approaches a major intergenerational wealth transfer, Jane sees succession planning as a core governance responsibility. Whether foundations are established to continue to give in perpetuity or for a finite period, they need a clear plan for future leadership and decision-making. 

“There’s little value in empowering someone if, in the same breath, we undermine their ability to lead and make decisions,” says Jane. 

Perpetual Wealth encourages families to have open conversations about their roles and responsibilities regarding their philanthropy and trust and, just as importantly, the purpose of their wealth.  

“Successful wealth transfer is about far more than passing assets from one generation to the next. It begins with clear roles, open conversations, and a shared understanding of a family’s values and the purpose behind their wealth.  

“When families are aligned on why they have wealth, not just what they have, they are better equipped to make decisions that reflect their aspirations and legacy. Philanthropy can be a powerful catalyst in that journey, helping families put their values into action, engage future generations, and create a legacy that extends well beyond the financial.” 

Innovation and responsive partnerships 

Every foundation is different, but Jane and her team apply several guiding principles to help guide effective giving: clarity of purpose, strong governance, deep listening and the flexibility to respond as community needs evolve. 

Funding has increasingly shifted toward longer-term partnerships and flexible, untied support. Many foundations now adopt a hybrid approach, combining strategic, long-term investments with more responsive grantmaking. 

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed significant change, innovation and evolution across the philanthropic sector. Looking ahead, the next 15 years promise to be just as transformative.  

“We are entering an era where partnership with communities, deeper listening, and genuine collaboration will increasingly shape the role of philanthropy. While the way foundations operate may continue to evolve, their ability to steward resources, support communities and sustain the legacies and values of donors for generations to come will remain as crucial as ever.”

How Perpetual Wealth helps philanthropists achieve their giving goals 

Perpetual Wealth partners with philanthropists, families and foundations to help them turn their values and aspirations into lasting community impact. Combining philanthropic advisory, trustee services, investment management and grant program expertise, Perpetual Wealth provides comprehensive support across every stage of the giving journey. 

Whether establishing a charitable trust, developing a giving strategy, managing charitable assets or delivering significant grant programs, Perpetual Wealth helps clients make informed decisions that honour their purpose and legacy. This integrated approach supports effective governance, sustainable funding and meaningful engagement with communities, enabling clients to create positive impact now and for generations to come. 

This article has been prepared with approval from Perpetual Trustee Company Ltd ABN 42 000 001 007. It contains general information only and is not intended to provide advice or take into account personal objectives, financial situation or needs.