Engaging the Next Generation in Giving this International Youth Day
Every year on August 12th, International Youth Day celebrates the energy, creativity, and potential of young people worldwide. It’s a powerful reminder that the future depends on how we empower and engage the next generation, not only as leaders but as changemakers and givers.
Philanthropy plays a vital role in this journey. Encouraging young people to participate in charitable giving early on helps cultivate a lifelong commitment to making a positive difference. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, community participation, or financial contributions, youth involvement strengthens communities and drives social progress.
The role of families and advisors in supporting young donors
Providing young family members with a say in how charitable funds are used, perhaps through family meetings or site visits to charity projects, reinforces their role in upholding family values and philanthropic intentions. This approach makes giving a shared family journey rather than an individual activity. Financial advisors are also uniquely positioned to encourage giving by integrating philanthropy into family wealth planning. They can educate both parents and children on the benefits of strategic giving, tax implications, and the importance of philanthropy as part of a holistic approach to wealth and legacy.
Donor-advised funds: a practical path for next-generation philanthropists
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) can offer a meaningful way to involve young people in philanthropy. A DAF is a charitable giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute assets, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants to charities over time. Beyond the financial advantages, DAFs provide an excellent educational opportunity for youth to engage meaningfully in philanthropy. With a DAF, young donors can learn about charitable giving, explore causes they care about, and even recommend grants, all under the guidance of their family. This hands-on experience builds financial literacy, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.
Connecting giving to passion and purpose
Younger generations are deeply invested in why and how their charitable contributions matter. From climate action and racial justice to mental health and education equity, today’s youth are deeply aware of social issues and eager to make a difference. Helping them explore and support causes they care about transforms philanthropy from an abstract concept into a personal mission. Tools such as youth-focused grant programmes, and community partnerships can help guide this process.
Engaging youth in philanthropy today means nurturing the compassionate leaders of tomorrow. Let’s celebrate International Youth Day by empowering young people to embrace giving as a powerful force for change.
To find out more about how NPT UK can help, please contact us.
About the Author
John Canady, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust UK, has 25 years of experience working across the business, nonprofit and government sectors. He specializes in creating and managing philanthropic funds for donors and family offices around the world who wish to base their philanthropy from the UK.
NPT UK does not provide legal or tax advice. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and shall not be relied upon as, legal or tax advice. The applicability of information contained here may vary depending on individual circumstances.
NPT UK is not affiliated with any of the organisations described herein, and the inclusion of any organisation in this material should not be considered an endorsement by NPT UK of such organisation, or its services or products.
