Philanthropy is for everyone: Three tips for young adults

“Philanthropy” may sound like something reserved for wealthy, “mature” adults, but that’s not at all the case. At Kitsap Community Foundation, we work with individuals of every generation, from young adults to retirees and everyone in between.

Young adults, in particular, are getting involved in the community in ways that differ slightly from those of prior generations. Research shows that Generation Z and Millennials tend to be more focused on issues than specific charities. Not surprisingly, a tech-forward approach to all aspects of philanthropy is common among members of these generations, including engaging with favorite causes on social media and making donations online. What’s more, a 2024 study indicates that for younger generations, volunteering and donating are strongly tied to civic participation.

If you’re a parent or grandparent of young adults, or if you’re a young adult yourself, you’ll be glad to know that our team can help. Here are three suggestions:

Make it a family affair.

KCF works with families to build charitable giving plans that involve all generations to achieve overall philanthropic priorities, as well as coordinating with families’ advisors to achieve tax planning (subscription required) objectives. For example, a multi-generational philanthropy can include donor-advised funds, legacy plans that include IRA beneficiary designations to establish an endowment, and strategic use of Qualified Charitable Distributions for family members who are 70 ½ or older.  

Make a point to start early.

Many young adults are establishing charitable giving practices early in their careers. For example, it’s not uncommon now for new hires to name a charity, such as a fund at KCF, as the contingent beneficiary of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. In addition, starting in 2026, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions can still take a tax deduction for charitable gifts up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. This can be a great way for younger generations to support the causes they care about. Although the deduction only applies to cash gifts and does not include gifts to donor-advised funds, it’s nonetheless a notable perk. Our team is happy to serve as a sounding board for ways to leverage this opportunity to make a difference.  

Make new connections.

Young adults who want to get involved in the community don’t have to start from scratch. At Kitsap Community Foundation, we connect emerging leaders with opportunities to join existing giving circles and other peer networks that are already making a difference. We also offer hands-on ways to learn about philanthropy—like volunteering to review grant or scholarship applications. Have you considered volunteering to review grant applications for our 2025 grant cycle?

We are honored to serve as our region’s home for charitable giving across generations. We look forward to working with you and your family to support your favorite charities and achieve meaningful outcomes in our community.