ENGAGING THE KIDS

If you are committed to involving the next generation in philanthropy and developing the emotional satisfaction of giving, check out this advice:

• Involve kids early. Youngsters can volunteer to gather food, clothing or toys for needy groups. They can also learn to save a share of their allowance or other money to donate at the end of each year. Putting coins in a glass jar is a tangible way for youngsters to see results.

• Ask kids for help to research your own contributions, whether online, at a library or by calling organizations to request information.

• If they are to donate money wisely in the future, you must give kids real authority. Avoid putting strings on their choices. Let them make their own decisions, and if necessary, their own mistakes. Keep listening.

• Don’t hover or nag. Let them go about the process in their own way. If it seems a tad out of control, pull in a third party who can be knowledgeable and objective.

• Depending on their age, require the real deal—research, site visits, financial reviews, conversations with the nonprofit’s staff and grantees, oversight for results and impact.

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