The answer is yes because, without a doubt, Millennials have changed the nonprofit landscape – and for the better.
Millennials – anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 23 to 38 in 2019) – are best known for their purchasing power and for being tech-savvy.
Believe the myths about how lazy and self-centered Millennials are all you want, but they are proving themselves to be the most innovative, altruistic, and experience-oriented generation yet. Millennials have contributed massively to the fundraising community. According to Nonprofits Source, more than 40 percent are enrolled in a monthly giving program, 64 percent volunteer locally, and 84 percent give to charity, donating an annual average of $481 across 3.3 organizations. Without them, we would not know the power of online, mobile, or Peer-to-Peer giving – to name a few.
Nonprofits would be at a loss not to partner with them.
Still not convinced? Here are the top 3 reasons why nonprofits should work with Millennials to raise more funds:
Millennials Will ‘Up’ Your Creative Strategy Game
Contrary to popular belief, Millennials are incredibly adaptable and resourceful; no matter what the circumstances are or what resources they have, they will find a way to make it work. This means that Millennials can help you overcome digital fundraising problems Boomers have not. They will do it with the utmost efficiency and enthusiasm, too.
For example, if your nonprofit has a fundraising event or annual campaign that has run out of steam, you can count on your Millennial supporters to use their creative energy to help you brainstorm inventive ways to raise funds online.
Millennials Teach You Technology Better Than Any Other Generation
Is this even surprising? Tech is in the Millennial DNA. Millennials were the first generation to grow up with cell phones and a computer at arm’s length, which is why nonprofits can rely on Millennials for feedback on emerging technology such as virtual reality or mobile-giving platforms like text-to-give or text-to-donate. Millennials can also improve your more standard tech, too (e.i. CRM).
Millennials can drastically elevate a nonprofit’s social media presence as well as generate heavy traffic toward ads – both of which are necessary if you want to receive the quickest possible influx of donations in the shortest time.
Millennials Improve Your Non-Profit’s Organizational Culture
Nonprofit organizations that onboard Millennials as staff or board members ensure the organization is inclusive, dynamic, and socially conscious. For Millennials, there is no such thing as leaving someone down and out in the pursuit of achieving desired targets. Millennials stress collaborative work and aim to create an organizational culture that yields high-quality sustainable results. This helps nonprofits avoid mission creep, too. With more Millennials on your side, you will gain a better understanding of more than 50% of the U.S. population. Simply put, your nonprofit can’t afford not to invest in Millennials if you want to raise more funds. Your future depends on it. Want a fun way to engage Millennials? Invite them to participate in a virtual auction for your nonprofit organization. This demographic is unlikely to attend an in-person event, however, they are highly philanthropic and look to support charities like yours virtually.
Learn how ZGIVE's digital auction platform can help you connect and fundraise with this large and influential audience by visiting www.zgive.com.