Why Start Young?

Children are naturally curious and compassionate. When they see someone in need or hear about a problem, they often want to help.

Once, when my children were small, we stopped at a McDonald’s after an outing—a rare treat, since those were lean financial years. There was a man outside with a sign saying he was hungry. My youngest son opened his Happy Meal, took out the fries and ran outside to give them to the man. These moments are ideal opportunities to introduce the idea of helping others. That one stands out, but it wasn’t an isolated moment in their childhoods.

Teaching philanthropy at a young age helps children internalize the importance of giving back, see giving not as a chore, but as a joyful and meaningful part of life. So, how can you do that?

Practical Methods for Teaching Philanthropy

• Lead by Example: Kids mirror what they see. When parents volunteer, donate or speak kindly about helping others, children absorb those values. Even small acts—like helping a neighbor or donating clothes—can leave a lasting impression. As they get older and peers become more important, encouraging them to participate in organizations that promote philanthropic activities, such as Scouts, Interact and Key Club, can keep them engaged.

• Make It Personal: Encourage children to choose causes that resonate with them. Whether it’s animals, the environment or helping other kids. When possible, providing opportunities to volunteer with an organization or hand over contributions directly can help them better understand the impact of their efforts. When they connect emotionally, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

• Create Giving Opportunities: Set up a “giving jar” where kids can save a portion of their allowance to donate to charity. Organize family volunteering days. Encourage them to donate toys they no longer use. When I was four, my mother gave me a glass piggy bank and told me that when it got full, we would give the money to the local animal shelter, where we had adopted our cat, Butterscotch. I don’t remember how much we ended up donating, but I do know how good it felt to take a nickel from my allowance and put it in that slot, and how proud I was to carry the pig into the shelter and set it on the counter. These hands-on experiences reinforce the joy of giving.

• Celebrate Acts of Kindness: Recognize and praise philanthropic behavior. Whether it’s sharing with a sibling or helping a classmate, acknowledging these actions reinforces their value. As a society, we tend to reward individual achievements, such as academic, artistic and athletic accomplishments. Children strive for that recognition, so treating kindness as an achievement makes it more likely they will continue making the effort.

Long-Term Benefits

Children who grow up with a philanthropic mindset tend to be more empathetic, socially aware and community-oriented. They are more likely to become adults who volunteer, vote and advocate for positive change. Philanthropy also teaches important life skills such as budgeting, goal-setting and teamwork.

Big Picture: What They Take With Them

Teaching kids philanthropy isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about cultivating a mindset of compassion and generosity. By embedding these values into everyday life, we empower children to become thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand that even small actions can make a big difference. In doing so, we not only enrich their lives but also help build a kinder, more connected world.