As we are living longer and depending on fewer, many countries are having to confront shortfalls to be able to provide current levels of services to future populations. Throughout the world awareness is increasing that standardised social services in fields such as housing, disability and mental health that are not tailored to meet individual needs are expensive and unsustainable. This article by Madeleine Clarke, Founding Director of Genio discusses how philanthropy can advance social service systems reform both in Ireland and further afield.