Give. Grow. Grant.

My husband Trig and I wanted to make sure our grandchildren learned early that being philanthropic is engaging, educational and rewarding. To that end we created the Horton Grandchildren's Fund at Triangle Community Foundation. Each grandchild, age 10 and up, has $1,000 annually to donate to one or more nonprofits of his/her choice. But they must research the organization and submit in writing why they think the money should go there and what their donation will help accomplish. If they aren't already volunteering at that nonprofit-which they often are— they must pay it a site visit. In addition, the Fund supplies three $3,000 grants which the grandchildren have to nominate, discuss among themselves at our annual meeting, and vote on. Seven years in, the outcomes appear productive.