Many parents and grandparents hope to pass along more than financial assets. They want to share values, encourage generosity, and help the next generation develop a lifelong commitment to community.

The teenage years are an ideal time to start those conversations. Teens are old enough to understand community challenges, form opinions about issues they care about, and discover how they can make a difference. At the DeKalb County Community Foundation, we’ve seen this firsthand through Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP), where local high school students learn about community needs and make real grant decisions that support nonprofit organizations across DeKalb County.

If you’re looking for ways to introduce philanthropy to a teen in your life, here are 10 simple ideas to get started.

1. Ask what they care about

Many adults begin by talking about charities they support. Instead, start by asking your teen what issues matter to them. They may be passionate about animals, the environment, education, health care, mental health, or helping neighbors in need. Listening first can create a stronger foundation for future conversations and ultimately deeper community engagement.

2. Volunteer together

Giving involves more than writing checks. Spending even just an hour volunteering as a family can help teens see firsthand how nonprofit organizations serve the community and why charitable support matters.

3. Let them help make giving decisions

If your family uses a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation, consider inviting teens to recommend a portion of the annual grants to nonprofit organizations they believe in. Even small decisions can help them gain confidence and feel invested in the family’s philanthropy.

4. Visit local nonprofits

Many nonprofit organizations welcome visitors and offer tours or informational meetings. Seeing an organization’s work in action often leaves a lasting impression and helps young people understand the impact of charitable giving. Even a short visit can be eye-opening. The DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, a program of the Community Foundation, is an excellent resource for local nonprofits.

5. Encourage teens to research charities

Ask your teen to identify a cause they care about and learn more about organizations addressing that issue. This can help develop critical thinking skills and introduce concepts such as nonprofit missions, effectiveness, and community impact.

6. Talk about family values

Charitable giving often reflects deeply held beliefs and priorities. Sharing stories about why your family supports certain causes can help teens understand that philanthropy is about more than money. It’s about making a difference.

7. Help them give their own money

Whether it is a portion of an allowance, earnings from a summer job, or birthday money, encouraging teens to make their own charitable gifts can be a powerful learning experience.

8. Introduce teens to community leaders

Think of all the people you know who are making a difference every day in the community, whether working at a nonprofit, serving in a civic leadership position, or leading philanthropy efforts for a business. These conversations can inspire teens by showing them how individuals can create meaningful change.

9. Connect them with opportunities to lead

One of the best ways to nurture generosity is to give teens meaningful responsibility. Programs like Youth Engaged in Philanthropy allow students to work alongside their peers, learn about community needs, and help direct grant funding to local nonprofit organizations. Experiences like these show young people that their voices matter and that they can make a difference right now.

10. Focus on progress, not perfection

There is no single right way to raise charitable children and grandchildren. The goal is not to create experts overnight. Instead, focus on creating opportunities for curiosity, learning, and participation. Small experiences can help teens build lifelong habits of generosity and civic engagement.

One of the greatest gifts you can give the next generation is an understanding that they have the power to make a difference. Whether that starts with a volunteer project, a conversation around the dinner table, or participation in Youth Engaged in Philanthropy, the Community Foundation would be delighted to help!

Looking for more ideas and inspiration for your charitable giving journey? Explore additional articles from Generosity Corner.

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Philanthropy takes many forms, and every act of generosity can make a lasting impact. Through Generosity Corner, we share ideas for giving, practical strategies to strengthen your charitable impact, and guidance on topics like tax-wise giving, legacy planning, and family philanthropy. Whether you are working with an advisor, supporting causes you care about, or just beginning to think about your legacy, this space is here to inform and inspire.

This article is part of our Generosity Across Generations initiative, which encourages thoughtful conversations about giving, family, and the future. Together, we can build a legacy that supports both the people you love and the community we all share.