When people think about the legacy they'll leave, they often focus on what they'll pass down. A home. Investments. Family heirlooms.
Just as important, though, are the values that live on long after those things have changed hands.
Generosity isn't something we're born knowing. Like kindness, responsibility, or a strong work ethic, it's learned through experience. Families who make giving a regular part of life often discover that the greatest gift isn't the donation itself. It's the conversations, shared experiences, and sense of purpose that come with it.
Start with the "why"
Children and grandchildren are naturally curious. Instead of simply writing a check or making a donation in someone's honor, explain why you choose to support a particular cause.
Maybe your family values education because it opened doors for previous generations. Maybe you support your local food pantry because everyone deserves to know where their next meal is coming from. Maybe your heart is with the community where you grew up.
Sharing the story behind your giving helps younger family members understand that generosity is rooted in gratitude and purpose.
Let everyone have a voice
Family giving doesn't have to be directed by the oldest generation alone.
Consider setting aside a small amount each year for children or grandchildren to recommend where it should go. Ask them what problems they notice in their school or community. Which organizations inspire them? What change would they like to see?
You may be surprised by their thoughtfulness and creativity.
These conversations teach that philanthropy isn't about having unlimited resources. It's about making intentional choices with what you have.
Give more than money
Financial gifts are only one way to make a difference.
Volunteer together. Attend a community fundraiser. Help clean up a local park. Pack food boxes. Read with children. Serve on a committee for an organization you care about.
When younger generations see generosity practiced with both time and talent, they begin to understand that everyone has something meaningful to contribute.
Make giving a family tradition
Many families gather for birthdays, holidays, reunions, or annual vacations. Those occasions can also become opportunities to talk about giving.
Spend a few minutes discussing causes that matter to your family. Celebrate organizations making a difference. Invite younger family members to share what they're passionate about.
These conversations don't have to be formal. In fact, they're often most meaningful when they happen naturally around the dinner table.
Think beyond today
One of the unique opportunities an endowment provides is the ability to involve multiple generations in giving.
Whether your family has established a community fund, scholarship, donor-advised fund, or other charitable fund, it can become a lasting tradition that brings family members together year after year. Future generations can learn not only where the money goes, but also why those causes mattered to the people who came before them.
That's how generosity becomes part of a family's identity rather than simply an occasional act.
At BisMan Community Foundation, we've seen firsthand that the strongest charitable legacies aren't measured only by dollars granted. They're measured by the values that are passed from one generation to the next.
If you've ever thought about creating a lasting family tradition of giving, we'd love to visit with you. Whether you're interested in establishing a family fund, supporting the causes that matter most to you, or involving future generations in your philanthropy, BisMan Community Foundation can help you create a charitable legacy that reflects your family's values for years to come.
