Hazel Hennessy
Head of Communications and Relationships, Philanthropy Ireland
While Christmas is often associated with gift-giving, it also offers a unique opportunity to engage in a more meaningful act of generosity: family philanthropy.
As the season of giving approaches, there’s no better time to reflect on the joy of sharing with others. Coming together as a family to give can provide an opportunity to discuss family values, strengthen bonds, teach important values to younger generations and create a lasting impact in your community.
Thoughtful approach to family philanthropy
Starting your family philanthropy journey can be a rewarding and meaningful experience, and there are several, simple ways to get started. Begin by exploring resources that offer guidance on charitable giving. Philanthropy Ireland’s website is a valuable tool, providing insights on how to approach giving as a family and case studies from other families engaging in philanthropy.
By using these resources as inspiration and through engaging with Ireland’s philanthropy community you can create a structured and thoughtful approach to giving, ensuring that your family’s philanthropy makes a lasting difference.
Family philanthropy is not just about
making donations; it’s about coming
together to create a better future for all.
How to start the conversation on family giving
Talking about philanthropy as a family doesn’t have to be difficult. Below are some tips to help you get started.
Schedule a family meeting: Set aside time during your holiday gatherings to discuss charitable giving. This could be after Christmas dinner or during a quiet evening.
Share personal stories: Encourage each family member to talk about causes that matter to them and why. Sharing personal experiences can help everyone connect emotionally.
Set goals together: Decide, as a family, what you want to achieve through your giving. Whether it’s supporting local food banks, environmental initiatives or global causes, defining a common goal will unite your efforts.
Build a new tradition through family philanthropy
This season, use the opportunity to build a lasting tradition of giving. When families work together to support causes they care about, it brings a deeper connection and reinforces values of empathy, gratitude and responsibility. Family philanthropy is not just about making donations; it’s about coming together to create a better future for all.
For more information on philanthropy and to access philanthropy support, visit www.philanthropy.ie
