Family philanthropy

Why give as a family?

Giving as a family is a great way to strengthen family ties and share values and long-term giving goals. Involving your children at an early age can also help them to develop a sense of responsibility. Aligning and finding a collective philanthropic focus as a family often achieves greater impact and can be hugely rewarding.

At CAF we can provide expert strategic advice and the giving vehicles to support your family to give effectively for maximum impact.

The challenges and opportunities of multi-generational giving

Giving habits vary dramatically with age, with the next generation of donors increasingly incorporating new elements such as impact investing. Giving as a family gives you the opportunity to combine experience with the fresh perspective of a younger generation. In order for all members to feel engaged, it's important to communicate openly and ensure all family members have a say. Putting governance structures in place, for example 'generational committees', can be valuable. 

It's often a good idea to regularly revisit your family's giving strategy, to ensure it remains relevant in the context of evolving social needs and environmental pressures. 

Many family trusts and foundations allocate a defined amount of funding for more ad-hoc giving that comes straight from the heart, supporting causes and charities that may not necessarily meet the wider  strategic objectives of the family foundation. Many family members find this is a useful way to remain engaged.

Read more on adopting a multi-generational approach to your giving

Get started with family philanthropy

At CAF we can provide expert strategic advice and the giving vehicles to support your family to give effectively for maximum impact. 

Our CAF Charitable Trusts is our flexible, secure giving vehicle for managing long-term giving. For most of our clients that  give as a family, setting up a trust is the preferred choice. You can also start a family CAF Charity Account.