In my new role as coordinator of the Jewish Community Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program, I have the privilege of working with young people who want to make a difference in our community.
Talking with teens can be tricky, but the teenage years are an especially important time to begin conversations about philanthropy. These discussions are essential to passing along values, encouraging generosity, and fostering a lifelong commitment to community. Teens are old enough to understand community challenges, form opinions about issues they care about, and make thoughtful decisions about how they want to help.
We understand that getting teens involved is often easier said than done. The team at the Jewish Community Foundation is happy to help. Here are eight suggestions for simple ways to start the process.
1. Ask what they care about
Many adults begin by talking about charities they support. Instead, start by asking your teen what issues matter to them. They may be passionate about animals, the environment, education, healthcare, mental health or helping neighbors in need. Listening first can create a stronger foundation for future conversations and ultimately deeper community engagement.
2. Volunteer together
Giving involves more than writing checks. Spending even just an hour volunteering as a family can help teens see firsthand how nonprofit organizations serve the community and why charitable support matters.
3. Empower them to give their own money
JCF’s B’nai Tzedek program encourages teens to become involved in tzedakah by inviting them to establish their own fund for Jewish charitable giving. Opening B’nai Tzedek funds give teens the chance to play a part in improving the Jewish community and the world. Families contribute a minimum of $125 and the Jewish Community Foundation adds $375 to their gift to establish a personal B’nai Tzedek fund. Once a year, 10% of the fund may be granted by the teen fundholder to any Jewish charity in Kansas City or Israel.
4. Visit local nonprofits
Many nonprofit organizations welcome visitors and offer tours or informational meetings. Seeing an organization's work in action often leaves a lasting impression and helps young people understand the impact of charitable giving. Again, this does not need to take a lot of time. Even a 20-minute visit can be eye-opening. The JCF team is happy to offer suggestions and make connections.
5. Encourage teens to research charities
Ask your teen to identify a cause they care about and jump online to learn more about organizations addressing that issue. This can help develop critical thinking skills and introduce concepts such as nonprofit missions, effectiveness, and community impact. Feel free to ask the JCF team to suggest websites, books and other educational resources if your teen wants to learn more.
6. Talk about family values
Charitable giving often reflects deeply held beliefs and priorities. Sharing stories about why your family supports certain causes can help teens understand that philanthropy is about more than money — it’s about making a difference. For example, if your family has supported a particular nonprofit for many years because of a personal connection, take the time to explain to your teen the history and original connection.
7. Introduce teens to community leaders
This suggestion surprises many parents and grandparents who wish they would have thought of it sooner! Think of all the people you know who are making a difference every day in the community, whether working at a nonprofit, serving in a civic leadership position or leading philanthropy efforts for a business. These conversations can inspire teens by showing them how individuals — real people — can create meaningful change.
8. Focus on progress, not perfection
To state the obvious, there is no single right way to raise charitable children and grandchildren. The goal is not to create experts overnight. Instead, focus on creating opportunities for curiosity, learning and participation. Small — even very small — experiences can help teens build lifelong habits of generosity and civic engagement.
One of the greatest gifts you can give the next generation is an understanding that they have the power to make a difference. The Jewish Community Foundation would be delighted to help.
For more information about youth philanthropy or the B’nai Tzedek program, contact me at or (913) 327-8166.