The giving generation
Posted on August 21st, 2007 – 1:58 PMBy Kara McGuire
Great story in the Wall Street Journal today about how 20 and 30-somethings are changing giving through social networking and other ways to connect.
It seems to me that giving is a topic that resonates strongly with many young adults, who sometimes get into the habit of giving to others before they save for themselves.
Each year, I’ve aimed to set a giving goal and find organizations I’d like to support early on the in the year so that I can tell doorknockers that I have a giving plan. But this year I’ve lacked the time to research new charities, which in my experience can be as work-intensive as scoping out new investments.
There are groups such as Guidestar and our homegrown Charities Review Council to help.
Young philanthopists may also wish to check out the L.E.A.D. Project, started by Gen X and Y Minnesotans to give back to the community while having cocktails at the pretty places.
Where else have you gone to learn about nonprofits and to create a giving goal?
I need to establish a plan pronto.
8 Responses to "The giving generation"
Survival of the fittest!!!
Rugged individualisism rules!!!!!
Minnesotans are notoriously bad at letting newcomers and out of staters into their social network (articles have been written to such in MPLS mag, Star Trib, and featured on local news with interviews from professors at the U and Hamline). Yet Minnesotans, more than any other state, are the most giving to charities and in the face of catastrophies (you’ll see more Twins & Vikings logos in New Orleans than any other sports team besides the Saints). Perhaps the advice to newcomers to our state is to fit in, join a philanthropy group. Get us while we’re in the giving and social spirit.
As for answering the question, I too think it a chore to research organizations and develop a plan. But I like the Red Cross and really like my company’s matching policy for giving.
Don’t give.
Kiva.org for microlending
Inspired Philanthropy:
Creating a Giving Plan by Tracy Gary and Melissa Kohner (it’s a workbook) for creating a giving plan
I don’t usually learn about nonprofits to see who I should give to. Usually I have had some positive experience with them–using their services, volunteering them, attending community events, etc.–and start giving that way.
Jon, thanks for adding comment 2, as comment 1 was really awfully obscure.
The LEAD events look super-fun! I’m assuming tickets for the LEAD events are not tax-deductible though since it’s technically a party, right? Anyone know the answer?
Giving is liberal.
Liberals, pay your taxes!!!
I give about 1% of my after-tax income broken up over a couple of charities, and it is kind of nice to feel like I’m helping. However, my after-tax income is pitifully low and maybe I should hold off on the magnanimity until I’m doing a little better…
I like to go to the Charities Review Council web site (www.smartgivers.org) to look up nonprofits that ask me for donations. They have some new features where you can set up a list of charities that interest you as well as submit a request to have a charity go through the Council’s Accountability Wizard process.
The web site is a valuable tool for understanding how to be an informed giver - so you’re not vulnerable to anyone asking for money. Great articles and resources on tons of charities.
