FAQs

How do you define "wealthy"?

Wealth is self-defined by people who participate in our programs. The amount of wealth people have access to, or expect to have access to in the future, varies greatly. Wealth comes from many sources including inheritances and earnings. Some people who are involved have access to philanthropic resources (as board members of family foundations for example), but do not have access to personal wealth. Generally, everyone involved feels that they have or will have access to more resources than they need. Another definition of wealth is those U.S. residents who have or come from families with over $180,000 in annual household income—ranking them in the wealthiest 5% of people in the country. For more information on wealth and inequality in the United States, click here.

How do you define "young"?

Resource Generation members are between the ages of 18 and 35, though participants in our family philanthropy program can be up to 40.

Is Resource Generation a national organization?

Yes! The majority of Resource Generation’s staff is based in New York City, with one co-director, Michael Gast, working from our office in Seattle. We have countless member-leaders, volunteers, organizational partners and skilled facilitators who help carry out our programs nationwide. We currently have local chapters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City and Boston.

How is Resource Generation funded?

Resource Generation is funded primarily by individuals. We also receive foundation support, program fees and publication revenue.

What does "confidential" or "non-solicitation" space mean?

RG plays a unique role in engaging young people with wealth committed to social change.  Confidentiality and non-solicitation have proven critical in supporting people as they begin to explore their relationship to money, class and privilege. This means:

• Attendance at an RG event is confidential

• There is no fundraising or solicitation between members or anyone else at RG events

• Resource Generation does not share its mailing list.

RG strives to create a community of people that are open about their wealth with people in their lives, use their position of privilege to speak out for societal change, and bring their whole selves to all the work they are involved in.

Does Resource Generation give grants?

Resource Generation is not a foundation and does not give grants or connect donors to organizations.  We focus on education and skill-building for young people with wealth, who are then better prepared to offer their skills to social change work.

I am fundraising for an organization—how can Resource Generation help me?

Due to our limited staff capacity, we are unable to meet one-on-one with organizations or individuals looking for funding or fundraising advice. Click here for a list of fundraising resources.

I want to get involved, but I’m not wealthy…

Our programming is primarily geared towards young people with wealth. The RG community, however, includes people from all class backgrounds who are involved as trainers, partners, board members and members. We are currently expanding our membership program, which is open to all people regardless of class background. Please email Nickerson at nickerson@resourcegeneration.org to learn more about membership opportunities.