MAKING THE GREATEST CHARITABLE IMPACT: START WITH YOUR FAMILY

by Dennis J. Gerber, Jr
President, Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund

June 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to put off charitable giving for “when things settle down” or “when we have more.”

But the most powerful way to make a lasting charitable impact is simple: just give - and let your family see you do it.

Generosity isn’t something children absorb from textbooks or school. They learn it through example. When kids watch their parents drop an envelope in the offertory basket, bring groceries to a neighbor in need, or support a mission close to their hearts, they begin to understand that giving isn’t a special occasion, it’s a way of life.

Generosity is less about what’s in our wallets and more about what’s in our hearts. The truth is, we don’t need to wait until we’ve arrived at a particular income level or achieved perfect financial stability. We simply need to start, and to do so joyfully.

In my experience, both as the father of young children and the founder of the largest national Catholic donor-advised fund program, taking these first steps as a family doesn’t need to be complicated.

BUDGET

One of the most practical ways to embrace generosity is by budgeting for it, just like we do with groceries, mortgage payments, or school tuition. Planning to give doesn’t diminish the spontaneity of generosity; it strengthens it. It helps us remain intentional, even when life is busy or uncertain.

This idea of planned giving has deep roots in our faith. The biblical concept of a “tithe,” often understood as 10%, is less about a strict number and more about a mindset. It’s about giving our “first fruits,” not our leftovers. It’s about recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and that giving back is part of how we express our gratitude and trust in Him.

St. Paul captures this beautifully in his letter to the Corinthians: “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Whether your family can give 2%, 5%, or more, the amount is secondary to the attitude. What matters most is that your giving is intentional, consistent, and cheerful.

When generosity becomes part of the rhythm of family life, it takes root in the hearts of the next generation. Children who grow up watching their parents give generously, not just money, but of time, attention, and compassion, are more likely to grow into adults who do the same.

BE TRANSPARENT

One way to reinforce this is by talking about your giving openly with your children. You don’t need to share dollar amounts, but you can tell them about the causes your family supports and why. You can invite them into the process of choosing a charity or volunteering together. These small, intentional actions form a powerful legacy, not just of giving, but of living faith in action.

BE AWARE

You may also find that generosity deepens your own sense of purpose and joy. As a family, take notice of how God is changing you and your family through giving. Giving has a way of shifting our perspective from what we lack to what we can share. It reminds us that we are not owners, but stewards, and that in giving, we participate in something much larger than ourselves.

Charitable giving isn’t reserved for the wealthy. It’s the calling of every believer. And it begins not in grand gestures, but in ordinary moments: the envelope in the basket, the neighbor in need, the monthly gift to an apostolate we believe in.

Start small if you need to. Start now. Just start.

And let your family see you do it.

In doing so, you’ll not only bless those you support, but you’ll also shape a family culture rooted in faith, gratitude, and joyful generosity. That’s a legacy no one can take away.

START YOUR JOURNEY

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