Ten Talents Foundation

A donor-advised fund can be one of the best training grounds for the next generation.

Not because of the dollars, but because of the conversations it makes possible.

We have seen families invite kids and grandkids in by:
- letting them each nominate a cause they care about
- giving them a budget to recommend within the fund
- asking them to research and share why that cause matters
- praying together before finalizing recommendations

The point is not perfection.
It is formation.

You are teaching them to listen, discern, and think about impact—not just write a check.

If you already have a fund, what is one small way you could invite the younger generation into the process this year?

One of the most overlooked generosity issues in ministries is not donor-related.

It is board-related.

We’ve watched organizations struggle for years because:
- the board assumes fundraising is the staff’s job
- the staff assumes the board does not want to talk about money
- nobody has clearly defined what a healthy, generous board actually does

A strong board does not just approve budgets.
It models generosity, opens doors, and stands with leadership in both vision and funding.

You do not need a perfect board to move in that direction.
You do need an honest conversation about expectations.

If you’re a CEO or board member, when was the last time you talked openly about the board’s role in generosity and partnership—not just governance?