As the school year ends and summer vacation begins for youth across America, teenagers will engage in a variety of activities ranging from summer jobs to camps.  One additional option for parents to consider is to encourage them to engage in philanthropy-related activities.  It is never too early to educate youth about the important role that charity should have in their lives.  There are a variety of options, including but not limited to: 

Volunteering – Some organizations have volunteering opportunities for youth. To identify options, there are online volunteer match sites that could help. Or, one might contact the local United Way to see if they have recommendations. 

Philanthropy Camps – Some areas have specialty youth camps that focus on philanthropy through instruction, field trips, and games. 

Volunteer Vacations – In an earlier blog, we addressed the issue of volunteer vacations as a means of adults to engage in philanthropy. In some instances, families may be able to bring their children as well to participate as a group. 

Giving Kids a Charity Budget – Under appropriate supervision, parents might encourage philanthropy skills by proving children with a charity budget, asking them to conduct research and identify potential charities to support, and help them follow through by distributing those funds.   

No matter what options that are considered for youth engagement, we urge parents to take the time to check out the charity on Give.org.  Verify the charity’s  trustworthiness and see if they meet the 20 holistic BBB Charity Standards. 

On a related note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series we are pleased to provide a video featuring Jaime Berman Matyas, President and Chief Executive Officer, Student Conservation Association (a BBB Accredited Charity.) This organization has been involved in building the next generation of conservation leaders and encouraging environmental stewardship since 1957. Among other things, it provides college and high school-aged members with hands-on conservation service opportunities in several fields. 

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include: 

• Coptic Orphans Support Association
• Islamic Relief USA
• National Alliance to End Homelessness 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to https://give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.  

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance