3 Ways to Teach Philanthropic Values to Your Children
You can build your family’s enthusiasm for giving in a variety of ways.
Hold a family meeting about philanthropy.
A family meeting that focuses on philanthropy can be an ideal way to spread the spirit of giving. It can also serve as time for families to develop a clearer sense of their values and formulate a plan for shared passions. You may decide to hold this meeting in conjunction with a holiday or other family gathering when everyone will be together.
Identify family service days.
Set aside times when family members can volunteer to support charitable causes. Identifying those causes present another opportunity to discuss collective values.
Match family gifts.
To encourage younger family members or those with fewer resources to develop a habit of giving, offer to match some or all of their gifts.
For example, Joan is a generous contributor to her church and wants to foster a sense of philanthropy in her children. They are just starting their careers and do not have extensive resources available for charitable giving. Joan informs them that in addition to her regular giving, she will match gifts up to $500 from each of them. She also encourages them to give in order to improve the lives of others and hopes they will build lifelong commitments to giving to their church.