Raising the Next Generation of Philanthropists

Written by Robin Elmerick, Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy

Earlier this year, we hosted our TEDxIndianapolis salon on the future of generosity. One theme came through loud and clear in attendee feedback: people want to do a better job of involving younger family members in philanthropy. Parents and grandparents aren’t just thinking about what they’ll leave behind. They’re thinking about how to help the next generation understand the joy and responsibility of giving back. 

The teenage years can feel like an especially challenging time to start those conversations. But they’re also one of the most important. Teens are developing their own values, paying attention to issues around them, and beginning to think about the kind of impact they want to have on the world. 

The good news is you don’t need to have all the answers. Small conversations and shared experiences often leave the biggest impression. 

Here are a few ideas to get started. 

Start by listening 

Instead of asking your teenager which charities they want to support, ask what they care about. 

Mental health. Animals. The environment. Parks and trails. Housing. The arts. Education. 

The cause matters less than the conversation. Understanding what captures their attention creates a natural starting point for talking about generosity. 

If you’re not sure how to begin that conversation, your philanthropic advisor can help. We regularly facilitate values-based conversations and exercises that help individuals and families identify the causes and issues they care about most. Whether you’d like to engage just your next generation or gather the entire family around the table, we can help create meaningful conversations that strengthen both your giving and your family connections. 

Volunteer together 

Some of the best conversations happen while serving side by side. 

Whether you’re helping at a food pantry, cleaning up a neighborhood park, or volunteering at a community event, shared experiences help young people connect charitable giving with real people and real needs. 

For families with younger children, we’re also proud to partner with Seeds of Caring, which offers hands-on volunteer experiences designed specifically for children ages 4–12. It’s a wonderful way to introduce even your youngest family members to service, empathy, and the joy of giving back in age-appropriate ways. And be sure Save the Date for our Family Day of Service, in partnership with Seeds of Caring: Sunday, November 8, 2:30 – 4:30.   

Invite them into family giving 

If your family has a donor-advised fund with us, consider letting your teenager recommend one or two grants each year. 

Even a modest amount can spark thoughtful conversations about community needs, nonprofit organizations, and how families make philanthropic decisions together. 

Your philanthropic advisor can also help facilitate these conversations. We can guide discussions around grant recommendations, provide information about organizations working in areas your family cares about, and help ensure every generation has a voice in the decision-making process. 

Introduce them to people making a difference 

One conversation can change a young person’s perspective. 

Think about the nonprofit leaders, civic volunteers, educators, and community advocates you’ve met over the years. Introducing your teenager to someone who has dedicated their life to serving others can be every bit as meaningful as making a financial gift. 

If you’re looking for the right connection, your philanthropic advisor can help. We spend our days learning about the people and organizations creating positive change throughout our community and can introduce your family to nonprofit leaders, arrange opportunities to learn more about their work, or simply serve as a resource ourselves to help your next generation better understand philanthropy in action. 

Share your family’s story 

Every family’s philanthropy has a beginning. 

Maybe your support for a particular organization grew out of a personal experience. Maybe a mentor inspired your generosity. Maybe your family has always believed in giving back to the community that has given so much to you. 

Those stories are often more memorable than any lesson about charitable giving. 

One question we like to ask during these conversations is, “What is your first memory of generosity or gratitude?” Try starting there and seeing what comes out for each family member. You may be surprised by the stories, values, and experiences that have quietly shaped your family’s approach to giving. 

Help them build a foundation for lifelong generosity 

As young people become more engaged, they often become curious about how philanthropy works. Why do nonprofits exist? How are charitable decisions made? What makes an organization effective? 

Your philanthropic advisor can help answer those questions. We’re happy to meet with your next generation—whether they’re teenagers, young adults, or adult children—for an introduction to philanthropy, donor-advised funds, and thoughtful giving. These conversations can be tailored to their stage of life and level of experience, helping build both confidence and curiosity as they begin their own philanthropic journey. 

Let generosity grow over time 

There’s no perfect roadmap for raising charitable children. 

The goal isn’t to create an expert philanthropist before high school graduation. It’s to help young people understand that they can make a difference and that generosity can become a lifelong habit. 

One of the things I enjoy most about working with families is seeing those conversations evolve across generations. Whether you’re introducing your children or grandchildren to philanthropy for the first time, looking for ways to engage teenagers in your family’s giving, or preparing adult children to take on a greater philanthropic role, your philanthropic advisor is here to help. Together, we can create experiences and conversations that reflect your family’s values today while helping build a lasting legacy of generosity for generations to come. 

About the Author

Robin Elmerick, senior director of effective philanthropy has been with CICF since 2019. A certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor, she works closely with fundholders to help them define their philanthropic strategies and maximize their impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and consulting, she is passionate about bridging the needs of the community with the missions of nonprofits and the passions of our fundholders, aligning all three to create meaningful change in Central Indiana and beyond.