Talking to your children about doing good! How to grow generational impact.

What does it mean to leave behind a legacy? For many, it begins and ends with passing along money to the next generations when they move on from this world. But there is another way we can create a lasting impact with our wealth, often globally – while we’re still alive. How? By inspiring our children, or ‘Generation Impact’, with the gift of learning how to give. And more importantly, how to give effectively, in turn, raising the next generation of proactive philanthropists. Here’s how…

Start the conversation

Introducing your children to philanthropy can be as simple as telling them stories. Share with them how you give back to your community and what organizations you work with and support, and why. This will give them the opportunity to think more deeply about what it means to lend a hand in shaping our future, as well as the profound impact it can foster in our world.

Make a list

We’ve all heard the phrase, to lead by example, and in this case, nothing rings truer. Your children look up to you and learn how you interact with the world, so show them your philanthropic or charitable goals in action to garner both their excitement and a feeling of being a part of something bigger and more important. Why not put your heads together and come up with a list of good deeds you’ve performed, and still want to carry out? This way, you get to expand upon your philanthropic and charitable efforts, together as a family.??

The little things make the biggest difference

One thing we seem to forget as adults is that children have many opportunities to practice the spirit of philanthropy. From clearing out unwanted or unused items from toy boxes and closets for donations, to joining community service clubs at school or putting aside a percentage of their allowance every month to give to charities of their choice – children are more than capable of investing and making a difference in their communities at an early age.

You can help them by matching their donations to a cause, or by having them practice advocating on behalf of an organization by giving them writing prompts explaining why their chosen charity matters to them. It’s a fantastic way to put the good work they’re doing into perspective, reinforcing their desire to help where they can.

Get them involved

Philanthropic decisions are often made by many senior family members with little to no inclusion of the opinions of the younger generation or the way they see the world. This can often lead to a sense of looking on from the outside, especially in those youngsters who want to help in the betterment of their communities and world. As you can imagine, these are lost opportunities to engage in thoughtful discussions about what each member of the family values and how they view their philanthropic roles. The good news? These moments can be easily turned around.

As your children get older, invite them to become more meaningfully involved in family philanthropic decisions. Let them research organizations and non-profits and make their own recommendations for funding. Hear them out and let them be seen. In doing so, learn as a family the joys of collaboration as you open the arena of communication for donation-giving decisions.??

Your legacy starts today and lives on long after you’re gone. By teaching your children about the core values of philanthropic gratitude and generosity, you carve a mark in your community, your nation and beyond, for many generations to come!

About How the world REALLY works: Philanthropy

UBS Optimus Foundation have co-developed a book for children (and adults!) that explains philanthropy and helps our clients share their values with their next generation of loved ones.

How the world really works is a series of books created by the Guy Fox history project (GFHP), a charity based in central London. They deliver innovative educational projects in which local children learn about a topic and then create a book that teaches other children about it. For this book, GFHP led several interactive workshops on philanthropy with children from our partner, De Beauvoir primary school, and to wrap up the workshop series, the pupils came to UBS to meet the real experts.

The partnership with Guy Fox started in 2008. Since then, UBS has contributed to books on investment banking, the economy and now on philanthropy. In addition, UBS volunteers help build capacity in the organization, proofread publications or support classroom workshops. Proceeds from the books goes to funding Guy Fox’s child-centered educational projects.

Where can you purchase the books?

Copies are available for GBP ￡5 through the Guy Fox shop or directly from your client advisor - reach out today!