New Study Highlights Young People As A Philanthropic Force

A first-of-its-kind study supported by the United Nations Foundation and conducted by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, reports that nearly 9 out of 10 American youth between the ages eight and 19 give money to organizations dedicated to charitable causes.  The research further reveals the important role parents play in encouraging their children to be active in philanthropic efforts large and small.

The report is available now for download here.

“This research confirms what we see taking shape around the country every day as young people mobilize and advocate for global change,” said Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation. “Today’s millennial generation is dedicated to donating time and money as a powerful force for good on global issues. This study also underscores the important role parents can play by talking to their kids about charitable giving and helping the less fortunate.”

The researchers followed more than 900 eight to 19 year olds across two time periods asking participants if they gave money to a charitable organization or were involved in any volunteer service activities or service clubs.

“Understanding how children learn about charity has important implications for the future of giving in America.  Studies like this benefit parents, teachers, nonprofit leaders, and policy makers as they seek to engage the next generation in philanthropy,” said Una Osili, Ph.D., director of Research at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, located on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus.

Other major findings from the report include:

• This study confirms what the UN Foundation knows from experience:  Young people are hungry to get involved in the world around them and are a driving force for change.
• Along with giving their money, more than half of the children in the study also volunteered for a non-profit or community organization.
• The report found it is important for parents to specifically talk to their children about charity to positively influence charitable giving.  These conversations encourage children to give – more so than parents just role modeling their own charitable activity.
• Talking to children about charity is equally effective regardless of a parent’s income level or a child’s gender, race and age.

Every day, the United Nations Foundation works with young people who aren’t waiting until they are older to make a difference; they are taking action and driving change now. Teenage girls from across the country have written to their elected officials to advocate for an end to child marriage. Middle school students have raised thousands of dollars to fight malaria. And around the world, young people have shared their priorities for a better future with the United Nations through the My World campaign.

For more information on the report, please visit www.unfoundation.org, or contact Darley Tom at dtom@unfoundation.org.

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United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals.

About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute

The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy.  Learn more at: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/womens-philanthropy-institute.

About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The School offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Learn more at: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.