Ep 166: Philanthropy at Scale: Private Ancillary Funds & Giving With Governance

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Philanthropy changes when wealth reaches a certain scale. It stops being about one-off generosity and starts becoming a question of structure, intent, and legacy.

In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) and why they are increasingly used by high-net-worth families who want to give back in a deliberate, governed, and sustainable way. They unpack what a PAF actually is, how it works, and why it’s best understood as part of a broader wealth architecture, not a tax tactic or emotional response to causes.

Mena discusses the real costs and responsibilities involved, including setup, compliance, governance, and ongoing decision-making, as well as when a PAF clearly doesn’t make sense. More importantly, they explore when it does, particularly following liquidity events, within family offices, and where philanthropy is viewed as part of intergenerational identity.

This episode reframes giving as stewardship: aligning wealth creation, investment philosophy, family values, and long-term impact. For the right families, a PAF isn’t just a vehicle, it’s transformational.

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Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

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