Shared values, traditions and beliefs are the threads that weave generations together. For thirty years, Rose Community Foundation has helped families transform these threads into lasting legacies – creating meaningful impact through giving.
In 2024, the Foundation hosted an event designed to Plant the Seeds of Generosity, inviting parents and grandparents to share ideas and strategies for nurturing a spirit of giving in children. Building on that momentum, this year’s event, Sprouting Generosity: Growing Together as a Philanthropic Family, brought together grandparents, parents and children to participate in a hands-on experience exploring the power of giving. Through creative activities and intergenerational connections, children (and their grown-ups) explored what it means to be philanthropic – inspiring families to grow a culture of giving together.
“After last year’s event, attendees expressed a desire to come together with their children and grandchildren to put learning into action,” said Carmelita Galicia-Munoz, philanthropic advisor. “We took this feedback and created Sprouting Generosity, a natural next step that allowed community members to grow their relationships within their own families, connect with each other, make new friends and most importantly – leave with ways to sprout acts of love and kindness.”
The open-house event had three interactive stations where families could explore their values, learn about saving, spending and sharing money and discover creative ways to practice generosity together through hands-on activity cards.
Margie Gart, a donor-advised fundholder and former trustee, staff and committee member of the Foundation, attended the event with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, ages three and five.
“With five grandchildren, my husband and I are working to expand our philanthropy in a way that includes them,” said Margie. “I attended last year’s session which was geared towards adults and got some good ideas, but I loved that this year was more hands on with the children. When you can have three generations sitting around the table – each engaged and learning – that’s special. I was learning how to approach giving with my grandchildren, their parents were learning how to model it within their own family, and the children were learning the values of generosity.”
Families left with new connections, children made friends, and together they experienced the joy of giving—sharing stories, traditions and interests. They also took home resources to help build their children’s philanthropic interests, along with information on organizations where they can volunteer their time or give.
“One of life’s great joys is to be able to give back to your religious community, school community, professional community,” said Margie. “Wherever it is- we need to be generous. I don’t think it’s ever too young to teach that.
Plans Into Action
To encourage continued learning and giving, Rose Community Foundation offers a list of organizations where families and children can volunteer together. You can also find opportunities for community engagement through Volunteer Match and Project Helping.
If you are unsure of where to start the dialogue with your kids, Rose Community Foundation also has a list of conversation starters to help families explore their children’s philanthropic interests.
If you are interested in engaging multiple generations, try the Friends and Family Giving Circle Toolkit which provides step-by-step instructions to host your own 90-minute collaborative giving circle.
How We Can Support You
Rose Community Foundation staff can facilitate mission, vision, and values conversations, help families and donors develop giving strategies, and support families working across multiple generations with succession planning and legacy giving. For individuals seeking a locally informed and connected philanthropic partner, working with Rose Community Foundation is a flexible, efficient, and tax-effective way to take your giving farther. Contact our Philanthropic Services team to learn more.
And whether you, your children or your grandchildren give of your time, talent or treasure, know that local nonprofit organizations value and appreciate your support.
