When it comes to perpetuating your family values, the expression “Do as I say, not as I do” clearly doesn’t apply.

In just about every family I know, older family members believe the value of helping others is important. Witnessing more senior family members volunteering time and contributing money to charitable causes is a method of cementing generosity as a family value. If you want to make it clear to your family that you are a giving person who values helping others, I think it is better to set an example instead of giving quietly “behind the scenes.”

The best method of teaching is, “Do as I do.”

Letting your family know about the charities you financially support, sharing with them the materials you receive from charitable organizations, and even showing them your name on donor recognition newsletters and annual reports demonstrates and hopefully perpetuates compassionate and generous behavior in your family. You can go one step further with a charitable Fund or Legacy plan through the Community Foundation of Western Nevada. A charitable fund or estate gift is a natural step in the stages of giving. Consider involving your family by exploring philanthropy together with our philanthropic advisors. You can include your family directly in your philanthropy through a family endowment or charitable giving instrument like a charitable remainder trust. Take advantage of charitable timing to maximize the tax benefits you are entitled to while building a lasting legacy for you and your family.

The possibilities are endless, but it all begins with openly sharing how you value charitable giving with your children and grandchildren.

We work with families at various stages of creating and planning a family legacy of giving and look forward to talking with you about your plans. There are no costs involved in discussing your charitable options, potential gifts, tax benefits, and how you want to make our community better. The Community Foundation of Western Nevada is your foundation, here to help you with advice, ideas, and resources. Please view this brief video and consider giving us a call. I hope you will allow us the privilege of helping you make philanthropy a cornerstone of your family values. https://nevadafund.org/legacy-and-values/ Warmly, Chris Askin, President and CEO 775-333-5499