A Tradition for the Generations

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CATEGORY: Philanthropy
 

​Whether they occur year-round or during the holidays, family traditions help deepen relationships across generations—especially family traditions focused on philanthropy.

When giving to others, children, parents and grandparents come together for a common cause. They decide what issues the family values and then work together to make a difference.

HERE’S HOW TO START YOUR TRADITION:
• Begin early: Encourage small children to donate their toys or participate in a simple charitable activity. As they grow, encourage youth to talk about their interests. Accept that their idea of giving back may differ from yours.

• Volunteer together: When family visits this holiday season, arrange a family volunteer opportunity instead of dinner out. It’s a great way to see firsthand who or what your giving supports.

• Craft a family vision: Encourage family members to talk about their giving goals. Solicit input from everyone. Then together, decide how, where and why you will give.

• Create ownership: Provide younger family members with money to make charitable gifts. When they grow older, match their giving 1:1. Creating this sense of ownership can help instill a giving mindset for life.

• Gauge your impact: A few times a year, discuss the impact of your philanthropy. This keeps giving on everyone’s minds and keeps them motivated.

• Be flexible: Periodically, review your family vision for philanthropy. Does it still resonate? Adjust your goals to changing priorities.

• Give again (and again): After all, the key to tradition is repetition.

Make Your Tradition Last
Extend your tradition of giving beyond your lifetime—and set an example for future generations— with a gift from your will to Hospice of the Western Reserve. Contact Laura J. Frye at 216.255.9066 or lfrye@hospicewr.org for details.

We Can Help

Speak with the referral team by contacting us seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Any first visit and admission can be made the first day.

Northern Ohio's Hospice of Choice

More than 1,000 Hospice of the Western Reserve employees and 3,000 volunteers live and work side-by-side in the same neighborhoods with our patients and families. We are privileged to have cared for more than 100,000 Northern Ohioans since our inception.