In April of last year, Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact released their study on the Next Generation of American Giving detailing the giving habits of each generation from the Greatest Generation (they call them “Matures”) to Generation Z. This was the third in a series of studies that started in 2010 (studies completed in 2010, 2013, and 2018). Researchers surveyed 1,339 donors from a group controlled to be a nationally-projectable sample of donors.
The study showed both consistency in some patterns and significant shifts in others between the 2013 and 2018 surveys. Understanding the differences in how each generation gives and which groups are giving the most will help your organization maximize the returns as you enter the most generous season of the year.
Who is giving the most?
As a group, Baby Boomers are giving the most, donating $58.6 billion per year. 75% of Baby Boomers donate to a charity each year, and their giving totals 41% of all donations made to U.S. nonprofits. Matures give the most as individual donors each year at $1,250 per person, almost $190 more per year than Baby Boomers at $1,061 per person. 78% of Matures donate each year. While the per person giving amounts dropped for both groups compared to 2013, these two generations remain the top donor groups for individual giving. Blackbaud anticipates that Baby Boomers will remain the top donor group for the next ten years.
While Gen X did not give at these high levels in 2017, more than 20% of survey respondents indicated plans to increase giving in the coming year. Blackbaud points out that this generation is coming into their highest earning potential years, so tapping into their donor potential now is in the best interest of nonprofits.
How to Make an Impact
Younger generations look for options other than donations to make an impact. Donors from Gen X and younger want to get involved in your mission through volunteering, word of mouth, crowdfunding, or donating items from your organization’s wish list. To engage these younger donors, consider diversifying your ask. Include options that let them donate time, talent, creativity, or tap into their network on your organization’s behalf.
Integrating nonprofit financial software is essential for maximizing efficiency and impact. This software streamlines processes, enhances transparency, and optimizes resource allocation. It enables effective donation tracking, budget management, and report generation, fostering accountability and donor trust. Embracing innovative software resonates with younger generations, who value transparency and technological advancement, attracting donors seeking tangible results and accountability in their philanthropy.
Additionally, encourage giving across all generations by offering matching gifts and fundraising challenges. These initiatives can create a sense of urgency and excitement, motivating donors of all ages to participate in your giving season. Cultivate relationships with donors across generations by providing opportunities for ongoing engagement beyond the giving season. This could include donor stewardship programs, exclusive events, and regular updates on your organization’s work.
Offer multiple giving channels to accommodate the preferences of different generations. This might include traditional methods like direct mail and phone calls for older donors, as well as online platforms, crowdfunding, and mobile giving options for younger donors. Emphasize transparency and accountability in your fundraising efforts by sharing stories, testimonials, and concrete examples of how donations are making a difference.
Mobile Giving
Mobile giving is the rising star of nonprofit fundraising. We have seen a substantial drop in the number of people donating through direct mail (dropped from 49% of respondents in 2010 to 23% in 2018), but email appeals and the variety of social media channels did not pick up the slack. The array of donation options that were thrust on donors in a short period of time seems to have muddied the waters too much and contributed to the decrease in donations. One area of giving that was consistently popular with the three youngest generations and moderately popular with Baby Boomers in the Blackbaud report was mobile giving. Updating your website and features to maximize the use of mobile giving appears to be a worthwhile investment.
Nonprofit software plays a vital role in maximizing mobile giving, which is the modern way to showcase the meaning of generosity. It offers mobile-optimized donation pages, fundraising apps, text-to-give campaigns, mobile wallet integration, and social media tools for seamless giving experiences. Real-time analytics can be used to track campaign performance, while donor relationship management features aid in personalized engagement.
Keep in Mind
- The Baby Boomers will continue to give substantially for at least another decade, and Gen X is on deck. These are the groups that nonprofits should be investing the majority of their effort in for donor development. They have the highest giving potential and have stated they plan to donate substantially in the coming years.
- Be willing to try new techniques for reaching and engaging donors. Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X all indicate a desire to engage with nonprofits outside of traditional donor relationships. These are your next major donor groups. Whether you use crowdfunding, volunteering, peer to peer fundraising, or advocacy, find ways to engage with your community. Build relationships with these generations now as an investment for when they have the financial capacity to make larger donations as they progress through life and career.
- Fewer people are responding to direct mail, but it is still the king of nonprofit solicitations. A majority of respondents in every generation found direct mail to be an acceptable way for nonprofits to communicate, and it is still the highest earner of all communication methods.
- All groups value financial stewardship and transparency. With the exception of Generation Z, all generation groups use a nonprofit’s website to research organization efficiency and fiscal responsibility. (That covers 98% of all donors!)
As you plan your giving season appeals, consider the giving platforms that are most effective for different donor groups. Include opportunities for donors to contribute to your organization by non-financial means. Make the most of this time of year and set your organization up for success in 2019.
*All charts from Blackbaud Next Generation of American Giving report
**Birth years added to chart in “Giving by Generation in 2018” – years are stated in text of report, but did not appear in original image.
