Creating a Family Tradition of Philanthropy: How to Build a Legacy of Giving

by Landon Buzzerd, CFP®, Wealth Advisor

November 26, 2025

National Philanthropy Day is a wonderful reminder that generosity doesn’t just impact those who receive, it strengthens the individuals, families, and organizations who give. Establishing a family tradition of philanthropy can help unite generations around shared values, create meaningful memories, and build a legacy that endures far beyond financial wealth.

Whether your family is just beginning to explore charitable giving or already has established philanthropic roots, there are many ways to make giving a meaningful part of your family’s story.

1) Start with a Family Giving Mission.

Take time to define your family’s charitable mission. What causes are most meaningful to you? Consider hosting an annual family meeting to discuss:

• Which causes or organizations resonate most deeply

• How you define impact (local vs. global, immediate vs. long-term)

• What giving means to each generation

By developing a shared philanthropic mission statement, your family creates a guiding framework for decisions and a way to align giving with your core values.

2) Establish a Family Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

For families looking for a flexible, tax-efficient vehicle for charitable giving, a Donor-Advised Fund can be an excellent choice. A DAF allows you to:

• Make tax-deductible contributions now and recommend grants over time

• Involve children and grandchildren in choosing which nonprofits to support

• Build a charitable endowment that can span generations

Many families use DAFs as a way to teach financial literacy, philanthropy, and stewardship in one integrated process.

3) Incorporate Philanthropy into Estate and Financial Planning

Philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks; it’s an intentional part of comprehensive wealth planning. Families can incorporate giving through:

• Charitable trusts or foundations

• Bequests and legacy gifts in estate plans

• Appreciated asset donations (such as stocks or real estate)

These strategies can help ensure that your giving aligns with both your values and your long-term financial goals.

4) Create a Family Giving Tradition or Event

Sometimes, the most powerful philanthropic traditions are simple and hands-on. Consider implementing:

• Annual Giving Meetings: Gather every holiday season to review donations and set new goals.

• Volunteer Days: Spend time together serving at local charities or community events.

• Birthday or Holiday Donations: Instead of gifts, dedicate a portion of celebrations to charitable giving.

These shared experiences make philanthropy tangible — and fun — for younger generations.

Building Your Family’s Philanthropic Legacy

Philanthropy is one of the most lasting gifts you can pass down. By creating a thoughtful structure and involving every generation, you transform charitable giving from a one-time act into a family legacy of compassion and impact.

Whether you’re exploring ways to start a family donor-advised fund, integrate charitable giving into your estate plan, or engage younger generations in philanthropy, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

At Grant Street Asset Management, we specialize in helping families align their wealth with their values, creating impact that lasts for generations. Let’s create your family’s giving plan together!

📞Contact us today to start building your family’s charitable giving strategy and legacy plan. Together, we’ll design a roadmap for meaningful, lasting generosity.