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Where do you stand? Understanding family finances Your family spending plan Making the most of your money Family giving values Making a family contribution Resources Family giving values To manage your finances, it’s helpful to think about family goals. Each family places value on different experiences. What’s important to your family? Part of your family goals may be about improving your family’s finances. It’s important to take care of your essential needs first. Many families also value contributing to supporting their communities. You may have set aside money in the “donations” part of your spending plan. To donate as a family, it’s helpful to decide on giving values. In this section, you’ll practice the process of giving as a family. Use the worksheets below to help decide where your family would like to contribute. Each family member should fill out a personal giving values worksheet first. This worksheet helps you identify what kinds of changes you’d like to see made in the world. It helps you think about what problems you believe are important to solve. After the personal worksheets are complete, discuss your results. Compare answers to learn what each family member values. Some values may be different, but many may be the same. Once you’ve reached agreement as a group, complete the family giving values worksheet. This is the foundation for your family giving plan. Coming to agreement Your next job is to choose three giving values that your family can agree on. To give as a group, you must be united. It’s possible that you may need to compromise to reach an agreement. One family member may value helping animals, for instance, while another cares about the environment. You might agree to help organizations that save endangered animals by reducing pollution. Personal giving values worksheet Family giving values worksheet Shawn Yang Shawn, 16, is a junior in high school in Michigan. His mother is very active in giving to their church and other charities. Shawn supports his family giving because he can see clear results. “I have no problems with it,” Shawn said. “Our church is just down the block, so I can see what they’re using the money for. You can see the effects right away.” Because of his family giving, Shawn has gained an understanding of philanthropy. He’s also learning how to give effectively. “My mother is very thorough in how she contributes,” Shawn said. “If someone comes to the door, she doesn’t just give them money. She’s really specific in how she chooses organizations.” Shawn’s mother has taught him to always give to transparent nonprofits. These are nonprofits that clearly state how their donations are spent. “My mother always shows me the charts that reveal how much organizations use on administrative costs. That helps me understand in the future who I want to give to,” Shawn said. RETURN TO TOP INSTRUCTIONS | YOUR MONEY | YOUR COMMUNITY | NONPROFIT | FAMILY GIVING | RESOURCES PRINTER FRIENDLY | TELL A FRIEND ©2006 Learning to Give