Engaging your Children in Philanthropy
We all know that just "telling children what to do" is not the most effective method for instilling a lifelong interest in giving back. So what other approaches might influence and inspire your children?
Here are some general principles:
- Encourage and enable your children.
- Listen to them and support their particular philanthropic interests, even if they are different from your own.
- Establish a means for your children to experience philanthropy.
- Talk openly with your children about your own giving and volunteering, and provide experiences that expose them to new possibilities.
- Understand that what may work for one child may not work for another.
- Be sensitive to your children’s developmental needs and personality.
- What and who may engage them at one age may not be effective when they get older.
Like most educational processes, this may take time and it is best to let your children develop at their own pace. As long as you model your deeply held philanthropic values, they will get the message. But be patient—you may not see the results until later in life.
For your convenience, download a copy of our publication Sharing and Caring: Children and Philanthropy, or request a copy by mail.
To learn more, contact a member of our Donor Services team by e-mail or at 614/251-4000. Or, if you are interested in becoming a donor, please complete this brief Become a Donor form and a Donor Services officer will respond within the next business day.