Giving back
Philanthropy provides us with an opportunity to find purpose and meaning in our own lives — while also helping others. You don’t need tremendous wealth to be an active philanthropist, just a desire to make a difference.

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What percentage of young adults give?
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84% of millennials give to charity, donating an annual average of $481 across 3+ organizations.
More than that.
84% of millennials give to charity, donating an annual average of $481 across 3+ organizations.
Source: Nonprofits Source, 2018 (Latest available data)
Getting started
Ways to give
Once you’ve decided how much you want to give and to which organizations, the next question is how you want to give. There’s no right or wrong way to be charitable, but you have a variety of giving approaches to choose from:
Perhaps most importantly, structured giving is a great way to teach young children about the importance of empathy and caring for others and carry on the family legacy through future generations.
Deepening your engagement
Over time, many people gradually want to deepen their relationship with one or more nonprofits they feel especially passionate about.
Considering a nonprofit board?
Board membership usually comes with an expectation of giving time, talent and treasure.
Do some research to find the right nonprofit. Online resources like BoardSource.org or GuideStar.org can help you identify an organization with a mission that aligns with your passions and interests as well as specific needs that align with your skillset.
Creating a legacy
Perhaps you’re part of a family with a long legacy of charitable giving through a family foundation.
- Typically, your foundation will receive some assets during your parents' lifetimes and additional funding through their estate plan.
- As long as certain distributions, conflicts of interest, and investment rules and regulations are met, foundation assets can grow income-tax-free.
- But copies of foundation tax returns must be made available for public inspection — so your grantmaking will be a matter of public record.
If your family already has a foundation in place, make sure to consider the following:
How is the foundation (and board) structured?
How does the foundation function?
What role will you play?
1 Consumer Reports, Best and Worst Charities for your Donations, November 22, 2019, https://www.consumerreports.org/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations/ (Latest available data)