Passing the Baton: Three Ways to Inspire Generosity That Lasts

How do we raise the next generation to be generous, not just with their money, but with their hearts? It's a question many families grapple with, especially as they consider how to model and pass on values that truly matter.

Veronika Peters, Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising recently explored this with Antonia Ruffell*, CEO of StartGiving and one of Australia's most trusted philanthropic voices. With over twenty years guiding families in purposeful giving, Antonia brings both wisdom and practical insight to nurturing generosity that extends beyond ourselves.

From their conversation, Veronika gathered three simple ways we can all help generosity grow beyond us.

Share the real motivation behind your generosity

When I asked Antonia how families can nurture generosity in the next generation, her answer was refreshingly practical: weave it into everyday life. "It starts with normalising generosity in the family," she told me. "If you're fortunate enough to have more than you need, it's about asking: how can we use what we have for good?"

Families who talk openly about helping others, without seeking praise, often pass that spirit on naturally. In Australia, Tall Poppy Syndrome or religious hesitations can make us reluctant to discuss giving. But staying silent means missing an opportunity to inspire and educate.

"Not everyone feels comfortable to talk about their giving, but it's not about putting the spotlight on yourself," Antonia explained. "It's about sharing your values, what you care about, and talking about the good the organisations you support are creating in the world."

Over the years, Antonia has observed that what drives people's desire to be philanthropic often comes back to the values they've grown up with, frequently from a faith-based background. These values are often deeply embedded in everything they do.

"Let people know why and how you give," she said. "That's how we'll normalise giving as part of living a successful life." It's about imparting values, and passing on the knowledge of how to give well.

Practise "enoughness" and give while you're here

You won't find it in the dictionary, but "enoughness" is the idea that having enough is truly enough, and that what we don't need can become someone else's lifeline.

In StartGiving's new research into personal giving in the tech sector with the Centre for Social Impact at UWA, Antonia found many people asking: What is enough for our family? And what could we do with the rest? "The concept of "enoughness" came from a successful tech founder and investor couple we interviewed," she said. "They had everything they needed from a resource perspective, and used the idea to reconcile what they could do with their excess funds."

This is a growing trend among younger givers, including many tech entrepreneurs Antonia works with. Many choose not to wait until the end of their lives or the sale of their business to be generous. They want to see the impact now, using their skills, networks, and resources to make a difference while still building careers and families.

"They're a very interesting group," Antonia shared. "They've often come from humble beginnings, not from wealth. They've worked hard, but they acknowledge the role that luck has played in their success. They're aware that being wealthy is a privilege, and that drives a sense of responsibility to give back. They like to tackle problems and find solutions, they're not satisfied with the status quo."

By practising "enoughness", these givers are showing the next generation what it looks like to hold wealth lightly, give with purpose, and find joy in generosity. The pleasure, satisfaction, and meaning that come from giving are rewards in themselves, and those feelings are contagious.

Give where your heart burns brightest and keep showing up

Giving away money comes with responsibility for good stewardship. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with the choices of which causes to support. When people ask Antonia where their money can have the biggest impact, she's pragmatic: "Don't get stuck over-analysing all the options, just start somewhere meaningful to you and see the impact. Then do more."

You can't be everywhere at once, and neither can your giving. That's why it matters to give where your passion lives. When you care deeply about something, you'll mobilise what you can and who you can. You'll talk about it. And when you talk about it, you invite others in and your impact multiplies.

Once you've chosen your cause, build relationships and keep showing up. Consistency demonstrates commitment and inspires others to follow. Start now, so that as your wealth increases, so does your capacity for giving.

The key is finding the cause(s) that genuinely move you and remaining committed over time. This sustained engagement not only maximises your impact but also provides a powerful example for others to emulate.

In summary: It is about passing on purpose

Ultimately, generosity that lasts isn't just about the money, it's about modelling a life of purpose, sharing the pleasure of giving, and equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to do the same.

The baton of generosity is passed not through grand gestures or lectures, but through consistent actions, open conversations about values, and the joy that comes from using our resources for good. When we normalise generosity, practice "enoughness", and give where our hearts are fully engaged, we create a legacy that extends far beyond any single gift.

*Image at top: Antonia Ruffell.