Building a Legacy of Family Giving: A Pathway to Shared Values and Impact
At Heart of West Michigan United Way, we believe that engaging family members in philanthropy not only strengthens bonds but also creates a legacy of compassion and generosity. Generational giving provides a unique opportunity to inspire shared values, deepen family connections, and amplify the impact of your contributions.
Engaging Your Family in Philanthropy
Start by involving family members in your journey of giving, creating a shared sense of purpose and community impact. You can begin by showing examples of the projects your contributions support. Volunteering together for United Way initiatives—whether it’s supporting youth opportunities, financial security, or community resiliency—helps family members of all ages see the tangible difference their involvement makes. Through these experiences, you can foster a culture of empathy and shared goals within your family.
Start the Conversation: Share the motivations behind your giving choices and explain why certain issues resonate with you. Discussing your philanthropic “why” offers a personal touch that can inspire younger generations and gives context to the values you hold dear.
For a meaningful dialogue, consider asking family members:
• What values or causes do we care deeply about?
• How has our giving made a difference in others’ lives, and what do we want to achieve?"
• What experiences have shaped our understanding of community needs?
Conversation Starters:
• In 5-10-20 years, what do we want our community to look like?
• How can each family member uniquely contribute to our goals?
• What do we envision for future generations?
Establishing a Collective
Family Vision
Generational giving allows your family to work together toward a common vision that extends beyond today. By involving family members in decision-making, you provide space for each person to voice their ideas and contribute to setting annual goals that reflect your collective values. United Way’s programs offer trusted pathways for making a sustained, community-wide impact. Setting shared goals, perhaps focusing on areas like healthy communities, financial stability, or emergency support, can unify your family’s philanthropic efforts and keep the legacy of giving strong.
Creating Family Traditions
Around Giving
A family tradition of giving not only reinforces core values but also nurtures future philanthropists. Consider setting up an annual event where everyone gathers to discuss donation plans, volunteer, or reflect on the difference made over the past year. Through United Way’s Volunteer Center, you can find opportunities for hands-on engagement, making giving a shared and memorable experience.
Discussion Points:
• How can our giving reflect our family’s values and interests?
• Who might we invite to join this journey, like advisors or mentors?
• How do we each feel about the work we’ve supported, and what would we like to accomplish next?
By aligning around shared values and engaging each family member in the process, you create a legacy of giving that endures for generations. With Heart of West Michigan United Way as a partner, your family can play an essential role in driving meaningful change, creating a legacy of compassion and community impact that will last for generations.