In a recent LinkedIn post, Callum Laing discusses the significant shift in wealth expected over the next decade and argues for a more accessible approach to philanthropy. Laing highlights the immense transfer of wealth anticipated from the baby boomer generation, noting that a substantial portion is earmarked for charitable causes.
“An estimated $124 Trillion is going to change generations over the next decade as the baby boomers look to take advantage of underpriced real estate in the afterlife (so greedy!!). Here on planet earth, that money will help fuel the dreams of the next generation, and a staggering 18 trillion dollars is going to be passed on to worthy causes through bequests.”
The Wealth-Philanthropy Connection
Callum Laing observes a common correlation between wealth accumulation and philanthropic endeavors. However, he posits that the underlying driver for this wealth creation is not the prospect of giving it away, but rather a foundational mindset of service. He introduces his CARES framework, which stands for Connections, Authority, Reach, Equity & Service, suggesting that the ‘Service’ component is the true genesis of wealth, rather than a byproduct of it.
As Laing points out, the traditional methods of establishing and managing charitable foundations can be prohibitively expensive and complex. He shares his own experience of discovering the significant costs associated with setting up and running such entities.
“For nearly 20 years I have been a huge fan of B1G1.com because I know that 100% of my giving goes to the causes I choose, so last year I started working with Masami and the team there to create a ‘lite’ version of the foundation. Basically backending all the hard work to the B1G1 team and letting anyone set up their own personalised ‘foundation’ for just just a few thousand dollars a year.”
Introducing ‘Foundation-Lite’ for Broader Access
Laing’s insights lead to the proposal of a more accessible philanthropic model, a concept he has helped develop in partnership with B1G1.com. This ‘foundation-lite’ approach aims to lower the barriers to entry, making it feasible for a wider range of individuals and organizations to engage in structured giving. The goal, according to Laing, is to enable anyone to establish a personalized foundation without the steep financial and administrative burdens typically associated with traditional foundations.
Personalized Giving and Transparency
The initiative, as described by Laing, offers a streamlined process for setting up a foundation, complete with a professional website detailing the giving mission. It provides access to a curated list of over 400 audited and well-managed causes. Support for publicity and annual audit reports are also part of the package, fostering transparency and encouraging broader contributions.
Callum Laing emphasizes that this model is designed to be inclusive:
“This means charitable foundations are no longer the preserve of the ultra-rich. Anyone can setup a foundation in the name of their children, parents or their companies.”
Real-World Application and Engagement
To illustrate the practical application of this model, Laing mentions the establishment of the Veblen Foundation. He explains how the Veblen Foundation makes donations through B1G1 for specific engagement activities, such as webinar attendance or program enrollment. This method, he notes, not only facilitates giving but also enhances the team’s sense of purpose and contribution.
Laing concludes his post by inviting engagement, asking readers about their interest in setting up their own ‘foundation-lite’ or sharing other innovative approaches to giving back. This call to action underscores his belief in the power of accessible philanthropy to drive positive change.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Callum Laing on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 11, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →