Teaching Youth to be Great Givers

As summer draws to a close and the start of school is on the horizon, we are dusting off our spiral notebooks, Lisa Frank folders, freshly sharpened no. 2 pencils, and our Great Givers program. Just over ten years ago, we developed the youth philanthropy curriculum to help children better understand the philanthropic sector, encourage informed giving in younger generations, and ensure that all individuals have the tools to become active, informed givers from an early age.

The Great Givers program launched in 2002 and has since expanded to become an effective resource both locally and nationally. The curriculum fills a gap in personal finance education of youth by covering the topic of informed giving. The combination of interactive and fun lessons, educational tools and hands-on involvement strive to instill an early interest in philanthropy. In doing so, youth have the opportunity to develop skills for a sustainable approach and lifetime commitment to informed giving as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

The Great Givers program is composed of a 10-lesson curriculum that is free of charge and available for download directly from our website. We also provide supplemental information and resources for youth education and participation in philanthropy. By continuing to get the program into the hands of educators, parents, counselors, mentors, and all those who influence a child’s view of financial management, we hope to further engage youth both inside and outside the classroom.

In the classroom, students can explore the topic of philanthropy as it relates to their own interests and passions, as well as those of their peers. At home, the topic of philanthropy provides the perfect platform for lessons in trust, generosity, financial management, and helping others.

Today’s youth are able to give with more than just money. Through our Great Givers program, we provide resources for youth to learn how to give their time, talent, and treasure. For example, a family-friendly volunteer experience gives children a firsthand look at the need in our community and the positive impact that they can have.

At the Council, we work to help donors of all ages find causes and vehicles for giving that align with their interests and ignite their passion. By encouraging today’s youth to engage in informed giving, we can build a stronger foundation for the future. With a new school year just around the corner, we hope you will join us in increasing our collective impact by teaching a child in your life what it means to be a smart giver.

Please visit our website or contact us to learn more about the Great Givers program. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions as we work to provide resources reflective of the needs within all communities.