How second-home ownership is remaking local philanthropy

Across the U.S., millions of families own second homes, places they return to for rest or retreat. In warmer regions of the country, such as states like Arizona and Texas, the presence of second-home owners takes on a distinctly seasonal rhythm. Homes fill and empty depending on the time of year, their owners drawn by warm weather and a strong sense of place. For some second‑home residents, that rhythm prompts a thought-provoking question: What responsibility comes with loving a community that you don’t live in full time?

For a growing number of these residents, the answer has taken the form of local philanthropy. Research shows that second-home owners regularly support youth programs, health care providers, and social services organizations, motivated by gratitude for the communities that welcome them for part of the year. Their generosity moves millions of dollars into local nonprofits and creates new points of connection through events that bring seasonal and full‑time residents together.

To better understand how philanthropy shows up in these communities, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and Strategy + Action/Philanthropy conducted research, with support from the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund. The study focused on second‑home owners in the Mountain West and South Central U.S. regions, where nonprofits often receive less funding and rely more heavily on individual generosity to sustain their work.

Most second-home owners give

An estimated 6.5 million households in the U.S. own a second home. The “Giving While Getting Away” study (opens in new tab or window) found that many such homeowners give in their second-home communities because they believe they can make an even bigger impact there than in their first-home communities.

Nearly all interview subjects said they give to charitable organizations in the community where they have a second home, often using structured approaches such as donor-advised funds, private foundations, gifts of appreciated stock, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and estate plans. Many also engage more deeply: More than 40% reported volunteering locally, and more than one-third said they serve on local nonprofit boards. Environmental causes, animal welfare, and arts and culture emerged as top areas of support.

“The growth of second‑home ownership is changing the makeup of many communities, often determined by seasonal attraction and interests,” said Jeffrey Glebocki, founder and lead advisor of Strategy + Action/Philanthropy. “This first-of-its-kind research has begun to discern how these part‑time residents engage with local causes and whether their presence translates into philanthropic support. Our findings help illuminate this dynamic and suggest new ways to build stronger connections between donors and place.”

Giving as a way in

For many second-home owners, philanthropy becomes a way to more fully enter a community. Whether a second residence is meant for vacations, retirement, or an eventual move, giving offers a natural path to deepening local connections. By attending local fundraisers, galas, and community events, donors meet peers, local nonprofit leaders, and neighbors who share common values.

As one research participant said, “It’s about person-to-person introductions. If I know you and trust you, and if you are involved with this group, I’ll support you.” Those relationships often become the foundation for longer-term involvement.

True impact takes time and presence

The research also underscores that meaningful engagement takes time. Most donors reported that it can take two to three years to become truly involved in a second-home community. Before donors can be ready to take on a leadership role or make a significant commitment in a second-home setting, they must spend time learning alongside those who have experience with the needs of the community.

That kind of steady approach often leads to deeper insight into local needs and constraints. Many donors noted that smaller or less densely populated communities make their impact easier to see. With fewer layers between a need and a response, support can feel both more urgent and more tangible.

From seasonal presence to lasting partnerships

Taken together, these insights suggest that giving in a second-home community is not just an extension of a donor’s existing philanthropy: It’s an opportunity to turn a seasonal presence into lasting partnerships. With intention, time, and gradually increasing local engagement, second-home owners can strengthen the communities that have welcomed them and help ensure that they continue to thrive.