When it comes to philanthropy, young adults are making a big impact.

Although they may not be the largest givers — that honor belongs to the Boomers, according to a study by fundraising firm Blackbaud Institute — 60 percent of millennials donate to charity, with an average of three charities per person.

Millennials don’t take their obligation lightly — They give with their time and their money, but look for transparency, do their homework, and want to see results.

A case in point: This is a generation that was the most likely to donate to hurricane relief following Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Yet, it’s also the age group most likely to have researched which charities to support.

We talked to three Baltimoreans under 40 to learn about how they and their generation gives.

Jacob Hodes
Investing in Local

For Jacob Hodes, charity begins at home. A firm believer in investing in the community in which he plans to live, this Los Angeles transplant began exploring ways to give back soon after moving to the city. One of Hodes’s first forays into charitable giving was serving on the Investment Committee at The Associated. It provided him with an opportunity to bring his professional expertise to a nonprofit and help them effectively manage their assets.

To Hodes, however, giving back is not just about joining a board. It’s about being passionate about a cause and donating time, as well as money.

“I like being able to see an impact on a day-to-day basis,” he says.

Wendy Bronfein
Taking a National Profile

Bronfein believes that, in those early years, giving of her time became immeasurable. She was involved with Jewish federations in Los Angeles and New York, first in a mentorship program and later as a Young Entertainment division co-chair.

Harel Turkel
Immersing Himself in A Good Cause

When Harel Turkel talks about how he chooses to give back, it goes well beyond a check. Equally important, he says, is understanding how he is making a difference.

It’s a philosophy he believes resonates with his generation.

Last spring, Turkel was one of 20 young men under the age of 45 who traveled to Israel on an Associated young men’s mission to understand how local dollars are allocated.

“I think when you can be involved with an organization on an ongoing basis and physically see how they are making a difference, it makes the philanthropic journey that much more impactful and long-term,” he says.

This article first appeared in Baltimore Magazine.