National Philanthropy Month: How to Teach Kids About Charity

One of the most rewarding things we can do is support causes that provide fulfillment and help us positively impact the world around us. Giving is a selfless act that teaches us generosity and caring for the well-being of others. Each of us plays an important role in the lives of others, and our collective contributions can make a lasting impression in our communities and beyond.

Philanthropy improves the human condition and promotes our civic calling. Philanthropists frequently donate to causes, ranging from charities and nonprofits to technological research and academic funding. Usually, they are personally connected to a particular cause and are fervently driven to support it, dedicating money and years of time and effort to service. From a young age, we teach our children about the importance of giving to others. We model compassion and form our children’s values by teaching these virtues. Whether it is through volunteer programs or donating, giving to charity benefits both givers and those tied to its mission.

Every November in the US is National Philanthropy Month, a time when we explore the benefits of volunteering and ways that parents can teach their children about the importance of philanthropy to instill a giving spirit and an early love for humanity that will carry on into adulthood.

Donate

One of the best ways to teach your child about giving is by donating extra items around your home. Why not spend an afternoon with your child, going through old toys and clothes they no longer wish to keep? Work together and put these belongings into a box. Then, have your child join you on a trip to your local shelter or charity. Let them know that there are many people less fortunate than them who will appreciate these gifts immensely.

Many teachers need additional school supplies during the year. Visit the store with your child and have them choose materials they want to donate to the classroom. You can also contribute to fundraisers for programs or upcoming field trips. Many schools also have yearly food drives where students can donate non-perishable items such as pasta, soup cans, and jams. Not only will these philanthropic acts make your child feel like a hero, but they will also learn to cherish their space and the activities they join and not to take daily items for granted.

Another way to teach your child about philanthropy is to create a donation box in your household dedicated to you and your child’s favorite charity. Engage in efforts that will allow them to raise money so that they can donate a portion of their earnings to the box. This technique will teach your child how to share with others and contribute to a good cause. Children will feel special being needed and being a part of something that makes a difference.

Running for social causes is also a great way to instill the importance of philanthropy in your children. Charity walks are frequently held throughout the year and are a great way of showing your kids how to honor those affected and see the hard work behind acquiring donations from friends to participate. Your child will see all the great things that can be accomplished when people unite for a common cause.

Finally, you can dedicate your birthday to a charity. When your special day comes along, why not celebrate by giving back? In lieu of gifts, consider asking guests to make a donation to your favorite charity.

There are numerous ways to contribute to All For Kids’ mission. All For Kids has a special Hope In A Box program – see examples here. We give you all the creative assets you need to make it an easy, festive way to raise funds for All For Kids. Our Vehicle Donation Program is a great option if you have an old car, boat, or RV that you no longer need.  Lastly, we hope you’ll consider contributing to our Annual Appeal from November through July. The funds raised from campaigns like these benefit the 50,000 children and families we serve annually.

Volunteering is a beautiful to teach your children about charity and promote philanthropy. If you’re searching for community service ideas for kids, there are countless local food and toy drives, especially during the holidays. At All For Kids, we’re always looking for toy donations and volunteers for our annual Gift Drive. You can also compile old toys and books for children at a nearby children’s hospital. In doing this, they will feel a sense of responsibility and goodwill and understand the functions of an organization. They will also learn that money is not the only way to give back.

Children can volunteer for causes they feel connected to. Those who love the environment might spend a day cleaning up the beach, while those who enjoy cooking could hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to a local cause. They can brainstorm other creative ways to support their community, like making DIY projects to sell or donate. It’s important to gently inform your child about social issues in the community so they understand the context of their work. For instance, if a natural disaster affects a community, your children can join relief efforts to learn how to assist victims. Volunteering helps them develop a broader compassion and respect for others. Dedicate at least one day a month to volunteering as a family to instill a lifelong love of giving.

Small Acts of Kindness

The act of giving far outweighs the act of receiving. Through sharing, one can learn about themselves and others and shift their perspective of the world, becoming more optimistic. Research shows that generosity is linked to an increase in happiness. In a 2017 study, researchers experimented and found that those who had spent money on others reported a higher level of happiness than those who spent it on themselves. These results suggest that sharing with others is a fulfilling deed.

Kind gestures have a significant impact. As a parent, you can teach your child the small gesture of making a card for someone during a period of celebration, grief, or appreciation. Dedicating time to uplift someone else can strengthen relationships and be very rewarding. There’s nothing more personal, sentimental, and thoughtful than a handwritten card.

You can also encourage children to give to their neighbors by making them a homemade dish. Set aside some with your child and cook your favorite family dinner or dessert for the neighbors next door. If a friend or a family member’s birthday is coming up, plan a surprise for them with your child. You can bake a cake, create party favors, and decorate the house. No matter the size, acts of kindness will show your child the spirit of generosity and its positive impact on others and create lifelong memories.

The Impact of Philanthropy

Philanthropic efforts serve as an organization’s heartbeat.Philanthropy is crucial in sustaining organizations’ important work. It helps to build community for volunteers, donors, and those they assist with their donations. In this way, individuals and businesses that come together for a cause promote a sense of community with everyone around them. It has the potential to form strong bonds with those you meet and serve.

Teaching your children about giving will show them how to live life with abundance. Through philanthropy, their hearts will become rich and develop more profound empathy, organizational skills, collaboration, and leadership. When we provide them with a platform to cultivate change, children become witnesses to the differences they make.