For some parents, just trying to teach their munchkin how to tie a shoelace or an older kiddo what the word “curfew” means can be harder than getting a hummingbird take a nap. Still another life lesson that seems boggling is getting across the importance of philanthropy to the younger generation and easing them into the process. Luckily, The Dallas Foundation President/CEO Mary Jalonick recognized the quandary and provided just the right venue to help parents and grandparents handle the situation. Here is a report from the field:
Diana and Ward Beaudry and Mary Jalonick*
The Dallas Foundation received a gold star from those who attended its annual Family Philanthropy Institute event at Old Parkland last Wednesday, January 20. Nationally-recognized family expert Susan Crites Prites, who has also appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” shared her expertise in multi-generational philanthropy with attendees.
Susan Crites Price and Toni Garrett*
Susan discussed important facts and valuable advice about how donors can pass on their values and assets to children and grandchildren. She also discussed tips on how to help the next generation of philanthropists spread generosity in the evolving world of both digital and traditional philanthropy.
Susan’s remarks were lively and thought-provoking. “What happens when a kid wants to do a lemonade stand to raise money?” she asked. “They Google it.”
“They have the world in their pocket” in the form of a smartphone, she said. So the goal is for parents or grandparents to be “generosity coaches” to younger members of the family. She offered four tips to make giving a family affair:
- Make sure kids mix virtual charity – online research or giving – with real-life experiences. Volunteer together.
- Let younger generations teach us how they learn and what the world looks like to them.
- If possible, start the conversation about giving when children are young, and keep it going throughout adulthood – but know that it’s never too late to start.
- Support your kids’ charitable choices – offer to match their gifts, or give them a sum to donate as they choose.
The Dallas Foundation President and CEO Mary M. Jalonick also spoke at the event, briefly discussing the background of the foundation, including its management of more than 500 separate funds and its almost $300 million in assets. She also noted its leadership in the effort to improve early childhood education in Dallas County and to promote animal welfare in Dallas.
* Photos provided by The Dallas Foundation