Instill the Spirit of Philanthropy in your Family

When’s the last time you had a conversation with your children about the organizations that you support financially? Are they included when you decide who you will support and why? Do your children know why giving is important to you and your family?

If you’re like most of us, the answers to those questions are “not sure,” “not really,” and “probably not” respectively. Research shows that while 90 percent of us want our children to be charitable, a shocking 77 percent of children under the age of 17 are either totally unaware that their parents give charitably, or they are clueless about how and to whom their parents give.

Talk About Giving (TAG) is an initiative developed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation to encourage multi-generational conversation about philanthropy. TAG supports Midlands families in raising generous, community-minded children through active involvement in family giving and service. Statistics show that families who give — and who actively teach their children about giving — are more likely to transfer a commitment to giving to the next generation.

The program is designed for families who have a desire to pass along to their children and grandchildren a healthy understanding of the need to give to others. Through ongoing conversation and active participation in family giving, children recognize philanthropy as a part of their family’s value system. And studies show children of parents who give are much more likely to continue “giving” as adults.

The program centers around an interactive website and blog at talkaboutgiving.org. At the site you will find a community of support, with everything you need to start and maintain the family conversation. A host of resources will help you talk with your children about your family’s efforts, assist your kids in identifying community needs that are of interest to them, and provide timely tips and information to keep this conversation active for a life of giving.

We also created a TAG card game. This game contains 60 cards in four different categories, each with a diferent question. It’s a fun way to encourage conversation about philanthropy, money, and your family, as a group and individually, to determine what’s most important. 

It’s easy to stay connected and ensure you’re getting all the latest tips, ideas and inspiration. You can follow Talk About Giving by RSS, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.