The Power of Impermanence

“Impermanence is not a tragedy, but a liberating truth.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

What becomes possible when you give yourself a deadline? It’s not a question the vast majority of philanthropic institutions are asking themselves.

Nearly 88% of all foundations are structured in perpetuity, a default in the sector grounded in values ranging from the desire for long-term impact to the belief in sustained presence across generations.

This majority hold, however, is sliding.

A growing movement of asset holders and asset allocators are committed to the idea that today’s money should solve today’s problems. In doing so, we have seen these leaders unlock extraordinary results in their lifetimes and are seeking new frameworks, tools and partners to fuel this more urgent approach to philanthropy. 

In the midst of this movement, we asked a group of eight philanthropic leaders, all of whom are adopting this time-bound strategy, to discuss the philosophy, practice and promise of impermanence.

Watch the CO.created short film above to hear their powerful responses. Then, sign up to receive the Impermanence Report, which is due out in early 2026. If you’re curious about exploring philanthropic impermanence, the report will have vital tools and insights to guide you on your journey.