Many Happy Returns: How Your Kids Celebrate Charitable Giving

by SCF Team | May 1, 2025 | Siouxland Community Foundation Blog, Donor Resources |

If you’ve ever thought about incorporating charitable giving into your child’s birthday party, you’re not alone! Many parents are encouraging their kids to ask guests for donations to charity instead of gifts. Whether it’s collecting books for a children’s hospital, pet toys for an animal shelter, or non-perishable food for a local food bank, it’s a great way for kids to feel part of something meaningful. The party can even include activities like making cards for the elderly or packaging donations together.

But beyond the party, there’s an even bigger opportunity to teach your kids about the power of charitable giving. Here are a few tips to help foster a sense of philanthropy at a young age:

Be Intentional
Teaching your children about charitable giving requires more than just a one-time lesson. Incorporating philanthropy into your family’s routines and traditions helps them see wealth as a tool for positive impact, not just personal gain. Over time, this approach builds both financial literacy and compassion.

Start with Money—and More
A good way to begin is by discussing money management alongside community needs. For example, you could explain how $100 can feed a family for a week or how $1,000 can fund classroom supplies. Consider creating a “giving budget” with your kids, allowing them to see how their donations can make a difference. If you have a donor-advised fund or another type of fund at the community foundation, show your kids how it works.

Offer Choices
Rather than dictating where they should give, empower your kids by helping them research and choose causes that interest them. The Siouxland Community Foundation’s website is a great starting point, where kids can explore how charitable giving connects to the region’s quality of life and learn about the nonprofits working to make a difference.

Get Involved
Children learn best by doing. Find opportunities for hands-on involvement by volunteering together at local food banks, organizing neighborhood donation drives, or crafting items for those in need. The community foundation is always happy to offer resources to help your family find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and your children’s ages.

As always, the Siouxland Community Foundation is here to support you as you introduce your family to charitable giving. We’re honored to work with all generations of community-minded people. Together, we can help shape the future of Siouxland, and we’re here to help every step of the way!