Beyond homework and after-school activities, the school year can also open doors to conversations about generosity.

Many classrooms already introduce kids to important causes—through lessons, special events, or awareness days like the Terry Fox Run or Pink Shirt Day. Kids might learn about endangered species in science class, explore social justice themes in history, or discuss empathy and kindness through literature. These experiences spark curiosity and compassion that can easily extend beyond the classroom.

When families build on that learning at home, giving becomes a way for kids to act on what they’ve learned. Connecting classroom topics, extracurricular interests, or even the walk to school with causes in the community helps children see that their actions, no matter how small, can make a real difference.

The back-to-school season, and the school year in general, offers many timely causal areas to explore. Use this list as inspiration, talk with your kids about what matters to them, and choose a way to give back that feels meaningful for your family.

9 Back-to-School Causal Areas to Explore

Each of these causal areas connect to something kids experience during the school year. They provide natural gateways for meaningful conversations about giving. Consider your child’s interests and passions when choosing where to start, brainstorm together, and then make a plan to give back as a family.

1. Support School Meal Programs

Why it matters: For many students, breakfast or lunch at school may be the most nutritious meal they receive all day. Hunger affects focus, energy, and learning.

How to get involved: Explore programs that provide free or subsidized meals in your community, support broader scale food security initiatives like the Food Security Fund which supports the black community in the Greater Toronto Area, or check if your local school runs a breakfast program you can support. 

2. Provide Essential Learning Tools

Why it matters: Not every child arrives at school with the supplies, books, or technology they need. Without these basics, it’s harder to learn and keep up.

How to get involved: Many schools or community organizations host supply drives at the start of the year. Consider donating backpacks, calculators, or other supplies. Families can also give financially to programs that provide classroom grants or technology lending libraries. You can also contact your school board to see if there are fundraising opportunities to help support resourcing for students in your school district. 

3. Champion Kids’ Mental Health

Why it matters: Mental health is closely tied to academic success. Anxiety, depression, and stress affect children’s ability to learn and thrive at school.

How to get involved: Support youth-focused mental health charities, or fundraisers. Cause Funds like Operation Overcome pool donor resources to fund programs and resources across Canada to support youth mental health.

4. Join or Organize School Fundraisers & Walkathons

Why it matters: Fundraisers are familiar to families and easy to take part in. They also help kids see giving in action while building community spirit.

How to get involved: Sign up to help organize walkathons, fun runs, or bake sales at your child’s school. If none are happening, consider organizing one as a classroom or neighbourhood project. Did you know that some districts allow families to donate directly to schools or specific programs? Check with your local school board to see what’s possible.

5. Literacy & Tutoring Programs

Why it matters: Literacy is a foundation for lifelong learning. Tutoring and mentorship programs can close gaps and give struggling students a boost in confidence.

How to get involved: Contribute books to school or community drives, donate to literacy-focused charities, or volunteer as a reading buddy or homework helper. Many libraries also run after-school programs where families and youth can give time or support.

6. Sports & Physical Activity Programs

Why it matters: Sports build teamwork, resilience, and physical health. But fees, gear, and travel costs often put participation out of reach.

How to get involved: Give to programs that subsidize registration fees, cover transportation, or provide sports equipment. If your child already plays, consider donating gently used gear to help another child join in.

7. Extracurricular Arts & Music Programs

Why it matters: Creative activities nurture self-expression and confidence, but they’re often the first to lose funding. Many children who love art or music miss out because of cost.

How to get involved: Support charities that provide instruments, art supplies, or scholarships. Families can also give by funding community arts programs or sponsoring tickets so kids can attend performances. You can also donate your time and talent by volunteering to teach in a local charity or program to help more kids access the arts.

8. Transportation & Access Programs

Why it matters: Getting to school safely isn’t guaranteed for every child. Transportation costs can be a barrier, especially for after-school programs or extracurriculars.

How to get involved: Donate to programs that provide bus passes, support safe walking routes, or organize carpools. Some charities focus specifically on rural or underserved areas where students face the longest commutes.

9. Inclusive & Equity-Focused Programs

Why it matters: Newcomer, Indigenous, and underrepresented students may face unique challenges in school systems that aren’t always designed with them in mind.

How to get involved: Look for local organizations that provide mentorship, language learning, or cultural support programs to ensure every child feels seen and supported.

This list is not exhaustive, there are countless causal areas related to schools. This is just a starting point to explore what causal areas you might want to support. If you want to continue exploring, check out our blog post with tips on how to leverage AI to discover new causal areas and charities.

Turn Inspiration into Action

Every backpack filled and every after-school practice is a reminder that education is a privilege not all kids have equal access to. This back-to-school season, your family can help change that.

As a donor-advised fund, Charitable Impact allows you to add money to your Impact Account now and take the time to decide which causes or charities you want to support. This gives you the space to explore, learn, and involve your family in giving decisions, without feeling rushed.

You can also take immediate action by starting a Giving Group for a cause your family cares about—whether it’s school meal programs, literacy initiatives, arts programs, or another cause that inspires your child. Raise funds together, and then direct your Giving Group’s donations to charities making a real impact in your community.

👉 Ready to start a new giving routine? Head over to our Back to School Giving Essentials blog for practical steps to make generosity part of this school year.

Not sure where to start or which causes to support? Our Donor Engagement and Experience team is here to help your family turn inspiration into meaningful giving.