Generosity is the Greatest Tradition: Inspiring Family Philanthropy This Giving Season

Every December, the Wilson family gathers for an important family meal dedicated to discussing their charitable giving. During this time, the grandparents, parents and children share updates on the charities they’ve connected with over the past year, what inspires them about each mission, and ideas for how the whole family can make an impact. The family discusses which causes resonate most with them and ultimately decides on specific organizations to support with their year-end giving through their donor-advised fund.

The Wilsons aren’t alone in making December a time for meaningful traditions. We know that the end of the year is often a season of gathering and memory-making for families, whether through sharing meals, visiting festive attractions or reflecting on the past 12 months. It’s also a time when some, like the Wilson family, feel inspired to give back to the community as many nonprofits strive to meet their year-end fundraising goals.

Why not add philanthropy to your family’s list of traditions? Including generosity in your family’s holiday plans is a special way to celebrate the spirit of giving while creating lasting memories together.

Why is it important?

Making philanthropy a family tradition strengthens family ties. No matter how often you choose to share your time, talent or treasure, it can help build a charitable legacy your family can be proud of. It sets a precedent for giving back year after year.

Giving as a family also reinforces core family values and creates something everyone can rally around and look forward to every holiday season.

What can families do?

December is the perfect time to inspire your family to give back. Here are a few ideas to spark generosity that could become annual traditions:

• Explore Charitable Causes Together
  Research charities in your community. You can conduct your own online search, or, if you’d like assistance, our team is here to help you identify organizations that resonate with you. Consider sharing your findings over a meal so all family members can discuss the causes that matter most to them.
• Donate Toys to a Holiday Drive
  Engage younger family members by donating toys to a drive for those in need. This simple act teaches children about empathy and the importance of sharing, since gifts of tangible items resonate well with children.
• Share Hopeful Messages Through Handmade Cards
  Spread cheer by creating cards to send to local hospitals, nursing homes, veterans or military units.
• Volunteer as a Family
  Look for seasonal volunteer opportunities with local charities. Working side by side on a project can strengthen family bonds while helping the cause.
• Request Grants from Your Donor-Advised Fund
  Use your donor-advised fund to make grants as a family. Whether you are inspired to make grants at the end of each year or throughout the seasons, using a donor-advised fund can help your family’s philanthropic legacy continue for generations by intentionally setting aside dollars for charitable giving.

Our philanthropic advising team is trained to support multiple generations in their charitable giving this holiday season and beyond. If you are looking for more ways to make philanthropy an annual tradition, we’d love to help. Contact us at info@greaterhorizons.org or 866.719.7886.

Authored by: Whitney Hosty, Vice President of Philanthropic Services