Cross-Border Philanthropy: Dutch & US Trends and The Unique Role of the Advisor
An unexpected outcome from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's Empowering Generosity course.
written by
Louise Stefels-Wijsmuller and Jay Hunsberger
The history, traditions, and current trends in US and Dutch charitable giving appear very different on the surface.
Yet, what my Dutch colleague, Louise Stefels-Wijsmuller, and I discovered is that the work we do with clients is nearly identical.
In both countries, fewer people are giving. But giving is up. As is bequest giving.
But are the next generations adequately engaged and prepared for this transfer of wealth? Are we taking time to have important conversations?
Better rules and governmental policies won't solve that. But the philanthropic advisor can play a crucial role.
Read the article in the Dutch journal, Wereld van Filantropie, for one perspective on cross-border philanthropy, at a time when many US nonprofits and donors are considering moving some of their philanthropic dollars overseas.
We wrote this in response to an earlier article in the same Dutch publication. You might want to explore that for deeper perspective.
I met the brilliant Louise Stefels-Wijsmuller at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's "Empowering Generosity" course in March, 2026. For a two-time IU graduate, I was so proud to participate in this deep-dive into philanthropic trends. The course content was great. The connections I made with the faculty and fellow attendees was extraordinary.
Since returning to our home bases, me in California and Louise in the Netherlands, we have continued to dialogue and connect virtually. We found we had much to share with each other, and were often surprised by what was universal and what was unique.
I'm guessing this article will be just the first of many that we collaborate on!
