From the Greatest Generation to the Generous Generation
Our parents were known as the Greatest Generation. They endured the Great Depression, fought World War II, sacrificed for their families, and helped build a nation of extraordinary opportunity.
Our generation, the Baby Boomers, inherited many of those opportunities. Through hard work, education, entrepreneurship, and sometimes simply good fortune, many of us have accumulated substantial financial resources.
Yet we live in a world where the disparity between the haves and the have-nots remains enormous.
Some families enjoy financial security beyond anything previous generations could have imagined, while others struggle to afford housing, healthcare, education, and even basic necessities.
I believe those of us fortunate enough to have accumulated wealth have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help address that disparity.
A Historic Opportunity to Make a Difference
Over the coming decades, an extraordinary transfer of wealth will take place as the Baby Boomer generation passes assets to children, grandchildren, and charitable organizations.
The question is not simply how much wealth we will leave behind.
The more important question is what good that wealth can accomplish while we are still here to see the results.
Imagine if even a relatively small portion of this enormous wealth transfer were directed toward improving education, supporting healthcare, helping struggling families, creating opportunities, and addressing problems that have persisted for generations.
The impact could be extraordinary.
Why Private Generosity Matters
Government programs have an important role in helping those in need. Unfortunately, many are burdened by bureaucracy, inefficiency, political considerations, and, at times, corruption.
Too often, substantial resources are spent without achieving the results we hoped for.
I believe private philanthropy can offer something different.
Individuals, families, charitable foundations, and community organizations can identify needs directly, respond quickly, support creative solutions, and evaluate whether their efforts are actually making a difference.
Rather than simply funding programs, we can focus on solving problems.
We can support organizations that demonstrate results, help individuals overcome temporary obstacles, invest in promising ideas, and create opportunities that might otherwise never exist.
Private generosity cannot replace every government responsibility, but it can accomplish things that large institutions sometimes cannot.
And perhaps most importantly, it allows us to become personally involved in improving the lives of others.
Contribute Your Resources
Generosity is not limited to writing checks.
Each of us has resources that can make a difference.
Support effective charitable organizations, educational opportunities, medical initiatives, community projects, and individuals facing genuine hardship.
Share the knowledge and judgment accumulated over a lifetime of work.
Volunteer, mentor younger generations, help community organizations, or become personally involved in causes that matter to you.
Sometimes introducing the right people, opening a door, or helping someone find an opportunity can be more valuable than a financial contribution.
Involve children and grandchildren in charitable decisions. Help younger generations understand that wealth carries responsibilities as well as privileges.
The goal should not simply be to give more. It should be to give thoughtfully, effectively, and with a genuine desire to improve lives.
Giving While We Are Living
Traditional estate planning often focuses on how assets will be distributed after we die.
That is important, but I believe we should also consider what we can accomplish during our lifetimes.
There is something particularly rewarding about seeing the results of generosity firsthand.
Helping a student pursue an education, supporting a family through a difficult period, improving access to healthcare, or assisting a worthwhile community organization can produce benefits that extend far beyond the original contribution.
And when children and grandchildren participate, generosity becomes more than a financial transaction. It becomes a family value.
Our Generation's Legacy
Every generation is remembered for something.
Our parents were the Greatest Generation because of their sacrifice, courage, resilience, and commitment to something larger than themselves.
The Baby Boomer generation has experienced remarkable economic growth, medical advances, technological progress, and opportunities to accumulate wealth.
But perhaps our greatest accomplishment is still ahead of us.
What if we became known as the generation that used its accumulated resources to help others?
What if we demonstrated that financial success is measured not only by what we acquire, but also by what we contribute?
What if we encouraged our children and grandchildren to view generosity as an essential part of a successful life?
“If our parents were the Greatest Generation, let's make ours the Generous Generation.”
Let's be remembered not simply for the wealth we accumulated or the possessions we left behind, but for the opportunities we created, the problems we helped solve, and the lives we improved.
Our greatest legacy may not be what we leave to others, but what we do for others while we're here.
— Mark C. Engasser, MD
