3 Keys to Your Family’s Giving Plan

Family giving is an essential part of family life and the family dynamic. Understanding why generosity is important helps us instill lasting values in our children. Here are three key ways to nurture generosity within your family:

1. Model Generosity in Your Daily Life

One of the most effective ways to teach generosity is to model it in your everyday actions. Children are close observers and often mimic the behavior of their parents. By demonstrating small acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbor, sharing a meal with someone in need, or simply being courteous to others, you set a powerful example.

As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Let your children see you engage in family giving cheerfully, whether through time, talents, or resources and your example can inspire them to embrace generosity as a natural part of their lives.

2. Create Family Giving Goals

Setting intentional family goals for giving can build a lasting spirit of generosity and shared purpose. Focus on meaningful, outcome-oriented goals such as supporting a specific cause or committing to a set number of volunteer hours as a family. This not only builds a stronger family legacy but also aligns the family with a common mission to make a real impact.

Encourage each family member to contribute in ways that reflect their strengths. Younger children could set a goal to collect and donate toys, while teens might take the lead on organizing fundraising efforts or volunteering at shelters. 

Hebrews 13:16 reminds us: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” By making giving a family tradition, you turn acts of kindness into purposeful contributions that build up both your family and your community.

3. Involve Children in Family Giving Planning

Engaging your children in discussions about where and how to give can make family giving a more meaningful experience for them. Consider setting up a family giving jar or a savings calendar where everyone can contribute. Each month, you can decide together where to direct your collective efforts whether it be donating to a cause, sponsoring a family, or volunteering.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” By involving your children in the planning process, you teach them the importance of thoughtful giving and encourage them to develop their own ideas about why generosity is important.

Remembering Why Generosity is Important

It’s important to understand that before you can discuss and build an effective giving plan with your family, you must be on the same page as how you communicate as a family unit. Read more about communication within families.

As you reflect on these ideas, think about how your family can start a journey of generosity together. A next step you can take in building a legacy of giving is to choose one cause or charity as a family to support. Start by having a family conversation to decide on a cause that resonates with everyone, and then commit to a specific action, such as making a donation or volunteering your time. This simple but focused step will lay the foundation for a lasting tradition of generosity.

Check out more family-building tools and resources here.