Is Gen Z the Next Generation of Nonprofit Donors and Volunteers?
Generation Z, the demographic profile of young people born between the late-1990s and early-2000s, is becoming a key contributor group in the nonprofit world. With high levels of engagement and extra money to spend, their nonprofit giving habits reflect their position as the next generation of donors.
They’re quickly catching up to their Millennial predecessors as the largest influence in the global consumer market. They hold over $44 billion in buying power and will make up 40 percent of all customers by 2020. Generation Z is also the most diverse and best-educated generation yet.
Often nicknamed “philanthroteens” for their dedication to sociopolitical and environmental causes, this audience presents big opportunities for nonprofit campaign managers and outreach organizers.
Here are three important statistics to help you understand this generation of donors. I’ve also provided takeaways to guide your next steps in engaging with this cohort.
They Spend their Time and Money ‘Giving Back’
Generation Z is more financially stable than their older counterparts. Witnessing the financial pitfalls of parents and older siblings, Gen Z’ers aim to make better spending decisions than previous generations.
With this money-conscious mindset, they start researching financial planning at just 13 years old. Around 60 percent of Gen Z’ers already have a savings account. They currently contribute more than $4 billion in discretionary spending.
Part of that discretionary spending is redirected to nonprofits they care about. A 2015 study of Generation Z representatives in the U.S. and U.K. found that 32 percent have donated their earnings or allowance to nonprofits 10 percent want to start a nonprofit someday.
They’re also more likely to give their time volunteering. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, 26.4 percent of 16- to 19-year-olds volunteer regularly.
Takeaway: With their “give back” attitude, Generation Z is the next pipeline of nonprofit donors, volunteers and professionals alike. Now would be a good time to start seeking support or recruiting in this group as they come to age.
They’re Passionate About Social and Environmental Impact
In the international consumer market, Generation Z is driven to support brands that display a strong social impact stance and donate proceeds to charity. A MNI Targeted Media Inc. study found that more than half of Generation Z representatives say that social impact is an important factor when deciding to buy from a brand. This is a make-or-break factor in deciding whether a company or organization is worth their money.
According to Cone’s 2017 Gen Z CSR study, Gen Z is the most interested in prioritizing causes that tackle poverty and hunger, which is a change from previous generations who cited economic development as a major area of focus. They also support causes that impact the environment, human rights, health, and education.
Takeaway: Partner with brands that are already speaking Generation Z’s language. Run coordinated campaigns with brands that are getting traction for supporting the causes Generation Z cares about.
These Next Generation Donors Respond Best to Photo and Video Campaigns
As the mobile internet generation, Gen Z consumes most of their content on their smartphone, tablet or laptop. With an attention span of eight seconds, Generation Z is more likely to respond to visually stimulating messages.
This is why video platforms are where Generation Z goes for learning, entertainment, and news. They reject traditional marketing channels such as cable, print, and even email newsletters.
Instagram and Snapchat are the most preferred social media apps used by Gen Z. According to a 2018 Pew Research report, more than 70 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds are Instagram and Snapchat users. The growing success of new video-sharing social media platforms like TikTok is reflective of this demand.
Generation Z is also incredibly responsive to a compelling impact story. Nonprofits that translate their data, case studies and testimonials into narrative-based storytelling are more likely to grab the attention of younger audiences.
Takeaway: Invest in running short, yet engaging story-based video campaigns on YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram to better attract and retain the next generation of donors.
Finding the Next Generation of Nonprofit Support with Resource Development Services
In short, the next generation of nonprofit donors and volunteers is growing up quickly, and they care deeply. This is good news for nonprofits, as long as you can speak their language and prove your outcomes match their passion. Generation Z will make an impact on our communities for many years to come. Resource Development Services can help find the next generation of donors and investors without having to hire a full-time position in-house. Contact the experts at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to get started today!
