Philanthropy is for Everyone: Four Tips for the Young Adults in Your Life

"Philanthropy" may sound like something reserved only for wealthy older adults, but people in all stages of life can make a tangible difference in their community. At Akron Community Foundation, we work with individuals of every generation – from young adults to retirees and everyone in between.

Young adults in particular are increasingly showing interest in moving the needle on broader community issues, and research shows that volunteering and donating are strongly tied to civic participation in younger generations.

If you're a parent or grandparent of young adults, or if you're a young adult yourself, you'll be glad to know the community foundation can help. Here are four suggestions for getting started.

Make a point to start early

Many young adults are establishing charitable giving practices early in their careers. For example, it's not uncommon for new hires to name a charity – such as a fund at the community foundation – as the contingent beneficiary of an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

If you have children or grandchildren of your own, the community foundation offers resources to help you teach children the concept of generosity from a young age. These tools make conversations about your family's values both simple and actionable, and they are available at no cost for families with a charitable fund at Akron Community Foundation.

Make it a family affair

Through our Center for Family Philanthropy, Akron Community Foundation works with families to build a legacy of charitable giving that can be passed to the next generation and beyond. Our professional staff works closely with families to identify their values and create a plan that will amplify their generosity. This includes facilitating multigenerational family discussions so that younger family members can learn about causes that are important to their parents and grandparents, while also discovering causes that are meaningful to them personally.

Make new connections

The community foundation can help young adults get connected with peers who share an interest in improving our community. For example, our Institute for Emerging Philanthropists brings together next-generation donors who are interested in learning about strategic giving. Class members identify their personal philanthropic goals and make lasting connections with a network of highly motivated charitable professionals.

Make sure you claim the new charitable deduction

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize deductions can still take an above-the-line tax deduction for charitable gifts of up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. This offers a clear and accessible entry point for philanthropic young adults who don't yet meet the threshold for itemizing.

Although the deduction only applies to cash gifts and does not include gifts to donor-advised funds, it still provides a financial incentive for people who previously saw no tax impact from their giving. Even small gifts can lay the groundwork for lifelong philanthropic engagement, and the community foundation is happy to help donors leverage this opportunity to make a difference.  

As always, Akron Community Foundation is honored to serve your family throughout every stage of your giving journey. Whether you are structuring a complex estate gift or taking your first steps toward strategic charitable giving, our team can help you find the right approach. We look forward to working with you to achieve your philanthropic goals.

To learn more, contact Laura Lederer, vice president and chief development officer, at 330-436-5611 or [email protected].