Philanthropy is for everyone: Three tips for young adults
by SCF Team | September 1, 2025 | Siouxland Community Foundation Blog, Donor Resources
When you hear the word philanthropy, you might picture someone older or extremely wealthy. But the truth is, giving back is for everyone—at every age and stage of life. Here at the Siouxland Community Foundation, we see people of all generations making a difference, from young adults just starting out to families building multi-generational legacies.
Young adults in particular are showing up in new and exciting ways. Research tells us that Millennials and Gen Z often focus on the issues they care about—like mental health, education, or the environment—rather than a single organization. They’re also using technology to connect with causes, donate online, and volunteer. In fact, volunteering and charitable giving are now closely tied to civic participation for these younger generations.
Whether you’re a young adult yourself or a parent or grandparent wanting to encourage the next generation, the Foundation is here to help. Here are three ways to get started:
1. Make it a family affair.
We love helping families in Siouxland build charitable giving plans that bring everyone to the table. That might mean creating a donor-advised fund together, leaving a legacy gift through an IRA or retirement account, or using Qualified Charitable Distributions for older family members. It’s about finding a way for every generation to contribute to shared priorities while also meeting financial and tax-planning goals.
2. Start early.
More young adults are making philanthropy part of their financial lives right away. Some name a fund at the Foundation as a beneficiary of their workplace retirement plan. And starting in 2026, even if you don’t itemize deductions, you’ll still be able to claim a charitable deduction for gifts up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (joint). This won’t apply to donor-advised funds, but it’s still a meaningful way to support the causes you care about while you’re building your career and future.
3. Make new connections.
Philanthropy doesn’t have to be a solo journey. The Siouxland Community Foundation can help young adults form or join giving circles—groups of peers pooling resources to make a bigger impact together. Giving circles are also a great way to learn more about philanthropy, local needs, and nonprofit leadership, with the Foundation providing guidance and back-office support.
At the Siouxland Community Foundation, we’re honored to serve as Siouxland’s home for charitable giving across generations. Whether you’re just starting out or planning a legacy, we’re here to help you make a difference in the place you call home.
