Creating a Family Tradition

Families have discovered a variety of rewards by working together on their charitable giving. Family philanthropy has the potential to provide a safe environment in which children and grandchildren can learn the skills and competencies necessary to lead fulfilling lives. At its best, family philanthropy is a blend of your family's ideals, creativity, and passions. It implies a commitment by family members to work effectively together to make charitable decisions.

Identify Reasons for Giving Together

Are the reasons for giving together compelling enough to support the level of energy and commitment needed to make the effort work? Take time to discuss the potential benefits of working together as a family.

Define Family Values and Goals

Most families don’t talk about their common family values. By articulating your basic values and how they can best be expressed through your giving, you and your family can create guiding principles for a common philanthropic agenda.

Determine Your Strategy

Learn more about the issues you care about through readings, expert briefings, site visits, and conversations with other donors. Through this research, identify where your resources might make the most difference on the issues that you care most about.

For your convenience, download a copy of our A Family Tradition guidebook, 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.