{"id":9788,"date":"2017-08-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/?p=9788"},"modified":"2024-05-08T21:30:48","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T21:30:48","slug":"millennial-giving-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/blog\/millennial-giving-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"Millennial Giving Trends: 2 Insights Fundraisers Must Know About This Generation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Millennial Impact Report<\/a> is back for 2017 and we wanted to share some great insights from the latest report with you.<\/p>\n

This annual research project, conducted by Achieve and funded by the Case Foundation, provides everyone from business leaders to nonprofit professionals a glimpse into what makes the Millennial generation \u201ctick.\u201d It\u2019s a useful tool for virtually anyone that interacts with people born between 1982-the early 2000s.<\/p>\n

Through these yearly reports, we\u2019ve learned about Millennial giving habits, political affiliations, interests, communication preferences, and so on.<\/p>\n

The first phase of the 2017 Millennial Impact Report tackles a new topic: cause engagement. Researchers asked \u201cWhy do Millennials choose to engage in cause movements\u201d and sought to get a handle on the varying reasons for a supporters\u2019 engagement. Of course, it\u2019s a tough, seemingly open-ended topic, but it\u2019s one every nonprofit should have a basic understanding of.<\/p>\n

Here are 2 vital takeaways from Phase 1 and how your nonprofit can adapt your strategy to match the unique needs of the Millennial population.<\/p>\n

“Here’s how your nonprofit can adapt your strategy to match the unique needs of the Millennial population.”<\/em> <\/i>tweet this<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

1. Millennials Are Confused About Cause-Based Vernacular<\/h2>\n

\"millennial<\/p>\n

Finding: We asked interviewees how they themselves would define \u201ccause\u201d and \u201csocial issue.\u201d Their answers reflected a lack of consistent understanding of each term.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here in the world of nonprofits and charities, we\u2019re surrounded by acronyms, slogans, and unfortunately, more than our fair share of jargon. We blurt out our taglines, talk about our \u201cthought leadership\u201d in the industry and how we\u2019re aiming to \u201cleverage\u201d our donor\u2019s money. We discuss our \u201cstrategic partnerships\u201d and encourage people to engage with us as we \u201ctackle\u201d \u201csocial issues\u201d.<\/p>\n

But what does any of that mean? Truth be told, there\u2019s a substantial lack of clarity when it comes to nonprofit language. For example, Phase 1 of the Millennial Impact Report found this common problem:<\/p>\n

Several interviewees viewed the label \u201cactivist\u201d as requiring a personal connection to an issue. They viewed themselves as advocates or allies. Many interviewees described \u201cactivist\u201d in more traditional terms, as someone involved in more intense actions, such as protesting, to effect national or global change. <\/em><\/p>\n

So how does a Millennial, or any supporter for that matter, connect and engage with your cause without understanding what you\u2019re asking of them? The key here is to work on how we use language to inspire and activate our Millennial audience<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here are some suggestions to help clarify your message:<\/p>\n