iscoverAn increasing number of grandparents are looking for ways to leave more than just money behind, writes Amanda Sartor.
A legacy with love: how grandparents are increasingly giving in their grandchildren’s name
18 November 2025
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7 minute read
Increasingly, they’re turning to philanthropy, not only to support causes they care about and structure their giving, but also to instil values of generosity in their grandchildren.
One of the most impactful ways to do this is through structured giving in a grandchild’s name -creating a legacy that is personal, tax-effective, and values-driven.
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Structured giving refers to giving arrangements that go beyond one-off donations and include giving funds, which are private and public ancillary funds or donor-advised funds.
These vehicles allow individuals, or families, to set aside charitable capital, receive immediate tax deductions and then build this capital to allow them to distribute funds to eligible charities over time.
For grandparents, it’s a way to set up a living legacy, involving their children and grandchildren in making decisions now and into the future.
Why give in a grandchild’s name?
Giving in a grandchild’s name offers a personalised approach to legacy. Instead of waiting to include philanthropy in a will, grandparents can actively engage younger family members to become involved in causes of their choice, during their lifetimes.
This can help instil generosity, community responsibility, and financial stewardship, all the while adding to family bonding.
At the same time, donations made into ancillary funds are tax-deductible, and income generated by the fund is tax-exempt.
Case study: how it works in practice
Consider the example of John and Margaret, both in their 70s, who decided to set up a sub-account within a Public Ancillary Fund, naming it after their first grandchildren, sisters Grace and Zoe.
The couple contributed $100,000, claimed a full tax deduction, and together worked with their financial adviser and the fund administrator to nominate Grace and her twin sister Zoe as future successors. Each year, the fund distributes a minimum of 4 per cent ($4,000) to charities directed by the wishes of the family.
When Grace and Zoe turn 18, they begin to participate in decisions and by the time they’re both 30, they could be overseeing the fund and continuing their grandparents’ philanthropic legacy, perhaps even contributing their own funds as they become able to. This will help promote communications around values-driven issues, which can add to shared family goals and bonding.
What financial advisers need to know
Financial advisers, estate planners, and accountants are increasingly playing a role in helping families explore and enact wealth transfers - and being asked about structured giving options.
Advisers can assist with choosing the right giving vehicle, structuring intergenerational governance, maximising tax outcomes and planning philanthropic goals.
Structured giving in a grandchild’s name offers grandparents a meaningful way to shape not just how their wealth is distributed, but also to help their own values live on.
Grandparents’ Day was Sunday, 26 October 2025. It recognises the contribution grandparents make to families, communities, and the economy.
Amanda Sartor is the national manager of active philanthropy at Equity Trustees.
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