Charitable giving is more than a financial decision—it’s a reflection of your values, your legacy, and the impact you want to leave on the world. But how do you ensure that your giving aligns with what truly matters to you and your family? 

A well-defined charitable strategy helps you give with purpose. Whether your passion lies in education, healthcare, the environment, or your local community, taking time to reflect on your values and why you give can make your philanthropy more meaningful and impactful. 

As you consider your charitable values, ask yourself: 

• Why is giving important to me? What are my motivations? 

• What are my priorities? Do I want my impact to be local, national, or global? 

• Am I more inclined to support large, well-established charities or smaller, community-based organizations? 

• Do I have personal experience or professional expertise that align with certain causes? 

• Are there any competing values or priorities that I need to reconcile in my giving strategy? 

• Do my family members or close friends share similar values that could lead to collaborative giving? 

Exercises to help clarify your charitable values 

• Create a values list – Write down causes that resonate most with you and why.  

• Research existing charities – Identify organizations already working in areas you care about, leveraging resources such as: 

• • Center for Effective Philanthropy 

• • Candid 

• Reflect on personal experiences – Consider whether your background, education, faith, career, or personal journey connects with specific causes. 

• Create a list of causes you know other family members or friends have given to – Consider whether these align with your own values and if there are opportunities for collaborative giving. 

Philanthropy is also a powerful way to bring families together. Engaging the next generation in giving discussions teaches financial responsibility, fosters shared values, and ensures that your family’s legacy of generosity continues for years to come. When done thoughtfully, charitable giving can strengthen family bonds and create lasting change. 

As you think about involving the next generation in your philanthropy, consider: 

• What values are most important for me to pass down? 

• How engaged is my family in discussions about charitable giving today? 

• Do I know what values the next generation holds and how they may differ from my own? 

• Are there ways I can be more intentional about creating shared charitable goals with my family? 

Why these discussions matter
Having conversations about giving isn’t just about philanthropy—it’s an opportunity to instill financial responsibility and long-term thinking in the next generation. These discussions can: 

• Teach the next generation how to evaluate nonprofits and allocate resources wisely. 

• Encourage gratitude, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward the broader community. 

• Help younger family members understand and participate in long-term wealth stewardship. 

• Foster a sense of purpose and connection across generations. 

Engage the next generation 

• Create a list of shared values with the next generation – Identify causes that resonate across different family members. 

• Encourage participation in charitable decisions – Invite younger family members to research organizations or propose causes they care about. 

• Make space for conversations about charitable legacy – Discuss how to continue the family’s impact beyond the current generation. 

As always, if you have any questions of would like to discuss further, please reach out to your portfolio manager. 

The information provided is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice or a legal opinion. Haverford does not provide legal or tax advice. You should contact your legal or tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation prior to taking any action based upon this information.