For many families, giving isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a core value. But how do you pass that value down to the next generation in a way that sticks? Hosting intentional family meetings to discuss giving goals is one of the most effective ways to start. These conversations don’t just teach children about philanthropy—they help build financial awareness, decision-making skills, and a sense of shared purpose.
In this edition of Wiser Way to Give, we explore how families can make giving a tradition, not just a transaction, by creating space for collaborative discussion, structured planning, and meaningful involvement at every age.
📉 Why Host Family Giving Meetings?
Bringing the family together to discuss charitable goals ensures everyone is aligned in values and vision. These conversations:
✔ Encourage open dialogue about causes that matter
✔ Allow for collaborative decision-making
✔ Foster empathy and social responsibility
✔ Provide a platform to teach financial planning and tax-smart strategies
Whether your family gives a little or a lot, these meetings can help transform giving into a shared legacy.
📊 Structuring Conversations by Age Group
1. Ages 5–12: Keep It Simple and Hands-On
At this age, children respond well to tangible experiences:
Create a "Giving Jar" to accompany their savings and spending jars
Participate in donation drives together
Let them choose a local charity to support with a small gift or act of service
📘 Example: The Miller family holds a monthly "Giving Night" where their young children pick a cause to learn about, followed by a small donation and a conversation about impact.
2. Ages 13–18: Encourage Ownership and Critical Thinking
Teens are ready to take a more active role in decision-making:
Allow them to research and present charities during your family meeting
Give them a budget to donate and let them justify their choice
Introduce basic financial and tax concepts related to giving
📘 Example: The Parkers host an annual family giving meeting where each teen receives $250 to donate. They share their chosen nonprofit and explain their reasoning at the dinner table.
3. Young Adults: Connect Giving to Financial Goals
As children enter adulthood, giving can become part of their long-term planning:
📘 Example: A college-age child joins their parents' financial advisor meeting to help manage their family DAF and propose donation ideas that align with their values.
📖 Case Study: The Whitman Family—Turning Conversations into Action
When Mark and Dana Whitman began thinking about the future of their charitable giving, they wanted to make it a living, breathing part of their family’s identity. They started hosting annual family meetings focused on giving goals. With two children in middle and high school, they created space for everyone to have a voice.
👧 Ages 10–14: Their kids began by researching local causes, volunteering, and saving part of their allowance for donation.
👦 Ages 15–18: Each teen received a yearly giving budget to allocate. They presented their chosen nonprofits during a family meeting and tracked the outcomes.
🤵 Ages 19+: Now young adults, the Whitman children help manage the family’s Donor-Advised Fund and are even mentoring their younger cousins in how to give with intention.
📈 Outcome: The Whitmans built a culture of communication and impact. Their kids developed strong values around financial stewardship and philanthropy that will carry forward into the next generation.
💡 Key Takeaways
✔ Start early—good habits grow with time
✔ Make it interactive and age-appropriate
✔ Tie giving to financial and tax education
✔ Use annual meetings to review goals and outcomes
✔ Engage a financial advisor to build a sustainable, long-term strategy
🚀 Coming Up Next
📢 We'd Love to Hear From You!
How is your family building a legacy of giving? Share your story or reach out to learn more about hosting impactful family meetings around philanthropy. 🌟
⚠️ Disclaimer This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Please consult your financial, tax, or legal professionals before implementing any charitable giving strategies. The information presented is based on sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.
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