The 2025 Altrata World Ultra Wealth Report provides a fascinating look at how the world’s wealthiest individuals—those with $30 million or more in net worth—are shaping global philanthropy.
These 510,810 ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals now control nearly $60 trillion, about a third of all high-net-worth assets worldwide. For nonprofits, that concentration of wealth represents enormous opportunity, but only for those who know where and how to engage.
At BWF, we help organizations translate reports like this into actionable fundraising strategies, turning global trends into clear steps to identify, cultivate, and inspire the next generation of major donors.
Understanding the Opportunity
The world’s ultra-wealthy population grew 12% last year, and another 5% in the first half of 2025. North America continues to lead in overall numbers, but Asia is gaining ground fast, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. This tells us that wealth is expanding geographically, not just generationally.
For universities, hospitals, and nonprofits with alumni, patients, or supporters abroad, that means it’s time to think globally about donor engagement. BWF’s wealth mapping and international prospect research services can help organizations understand where their most promising UHNW prospects are located, and how to approach them through the right channels.
Generational Shifts are Reshaping Philanthropy
Right now, baby boomers make up nearly half of the world’s UHNW class, but that won’t last. By 2040, Gen X and next gens (millennials and Gen Z) will represent 80% of all UHNW individuals. These younger donors are more self-made, more global, and more motivated by impact and social value than by recognition alone. They also expect digital fluency and transparency from the causes they support.
How BWF helps:
- We build next-generation engagement strategies that focus on storytelling, measurable impact, and digital experience.
- We guide clients through data modernization, ensuring your CRM and analytics tools can track and engage these donors effectively.
- We work with boards and advancement teams to develop messaging that connects to generational values, linking legacy giving with tangible outcomes and innovation.
Following the Money
UHNW portfolios are evolving. While older donors still hold much of their wealth in public markets, younger UHNW individuals are more invested in private companies, real estate, and luxury assets. That shift has two implications for nonprofits:
- Many of these assets are illiquid, requiring more creative approaches to gift structuring.
- These donors are used to thinking like investors—they expect performance and measurable results.
BWF’s philanthropic strategy team helps nonprofits navigate both situations. We work with advancement leaders to design impact investment opportunities, blended gift models, and donor communications that speak the language of today’s wealth creators.
The Power of Networks
UHNW individuals are not isolated. On average, each one knows more than 70 other UHNW peers. For fundraisers, that network effect is gold—but it’s often underutilized.
At BWF, we help clients map donor influence networks and identify the connectors who can open new doors. Our relationship analytics and prospect development services reveal hidden patterns in your donor data, helping you move beyond individual cultivation to a community-based engagement model.
Making the Data Work for You
Perhaps the most important insight from the report is how concentrated—and dynamic—wealth has become. The top 1% of HNW individuals now hold one-third of the assets, and they are increasingly global, mobile, and values-driven. Nonprofits that act on this now can build long-term relationships that will define the next 20 years of philanthropy.
That’s where BWF comes in. We help our clients:
- Identify and prioritize UHNW prospects using global data and predictive analytics.
- Craft engagement strategies tailored to regional and generational nuances.
- Build internal capacity through campaign planning, donor journey design, and training for major gift officers.
- Leverage peer influence and strategic events to deepen relationships.
From Insight to Action
The 2025 World Ultra Wealth Report doesn’t just tell us where the money is—it shows how wealth, values, and influence are shifting in ways that will redefine philanthropy. For nonprofits ready to engage this generation of global donors, data is just the starting point. The real opportunity lies in turning those insights into focused strategies, authentic relationships, and measurable impact.
BWF helps organizations make that leap—from information and implementation to global trends and major gifts.
We stand ready to assist you with your strategy. Please reach out to sales@bwf.com. It’s a privilege to help.
