Holiday Family Philanthropy: Simple Ways to Give Back This Season
November 12, 2025 | The holidays offer a meaningful chance to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. And for many families, it’s also a time to think about giving back. During our recent Insights & Impact session on Giving Back During the Holidays, we explored practical, joyful ways to make a difference during a season when community needs are especially high.
While the holidays inspire connection and generosity, nonprofits across Greater Richmond see increased demand — from food insecurity and housing challenges to the need for winter essentials, youth activities when school is out, and companionship for seniors. To help community members respond to these timely needs, the Community Foundation provides resources that make giving accessible for individuals and families alike.
Check out CFengage.org
If you’re looking for an easy way to give back, the Community Foundation Engagement Center is a great place to start. Our Holiday Giving & Volunteering page features local volunteer opportunities, nonprofit wish lists, and hands-on ways to support nonprofits from home with DIY projects.
You can also browse our:
- Holiday Philanthropy Guide, filled with ideas for family activities, volunteer projects, and seasonal giving traditions
- Food Access page, where you can explore ways to volunteer, host a food drive or donate supplies or financial resources to help neighbors facing food insecurity
This is a great place to begin if you want to find flexible, family-friendly opportunities or learn where needs are most urgent.
Supporting Nonprofits this Season
During the session, Diana Villarreal, our Program Manager for Community Partnerships, shared what organizations are experiencing this year – and many ways to support these needs can also be found at the links above.
1. Support for Food Access
Preparing and serving holiday meals is one of the most requested volunteer needs. There are also flexible options like assembling food boxes or contributing pantry staples.
2. In-Kind Donations
Many organizations post wishlists for winter clothing, household items, hygiene kits, gifts for families, and other essentials.
3. Thoughtful Gift Giving
Nonprofits emphasized the importance of providing unwrapped gifts, allowing parents to choose what they give to their own children and reinforcing dignity during the season.
4. Items for Teens and Adults
Toy drives often focus on young children, so gifts for older youth and adults are especially appreciated.
Create a Family Giving Tradition
If you're hoping to start or deepen a holiday tradition, Diana offered simple guidance:
Find the intersection between what inspires you and what nonprofits truly need.
That alignment makes giving feel personal, purposeful, and sustainable year after year. Here are a few ideas for ways you can give back, together:
- Try a DIY project at home
- Volunteer together as a family
- Let children choose a cause they care about
- Give a Grant Certificate to a friend or loved so they can direct a charitable gift to a cause they support
- Explore and support local nonprofits on our Giving Store – where we share a curated list of urgent needs and funding requests through our donor portal
Please note: Grant Certificates and Giving Store funding opportunities are available only to Community Foundation fundholders. Contact your Philanthropic Advisor or philanthropy@cfrichmond.org to learn more.
Amplify Your Impact with the Community Impact Fund
For donors who want their giving to reach across issues, neighborhoods, and populations, the Community Impact Fund is a powerful year-end option. Your gift joins with others to strengthen our annual Community Impact grants, where pooled contributions create additional opportunities for individuals and families striving for upward economic mobility. These grants support high-impact nonprofits addressing the most pressing needs in Greater Richmond — and our staff handles the research and due diligence on your behalf.
However you choose to engage, your generosity brings comfort, dignity, and hope to neighbors across our region. Thank you for all you do — during the holidays and throughout the year. And don’t hesitate to reach out — our team is always here to help you explore meaningful ways to engage.
Watch the full Insights & Impact webinar below.