A nonprofit software program can help organizations recruit, track and reach out to millennials, those ages 18 to 29. Individuals in Generation Y want to lend their knowledge, expertise and time to help nonprofits. As a rising generation, it is in a nonprofit’s best interest to tap into this demographic and manage their activities for fruitful results.
Generation Y adults are idealistic and passionate
Milliennials have three main motivations for getting involved in a nonprofit. According to the 2013 Millennial Impact Report, 46 percent want to lend their expertise in some way, 56 percent want to meet people and 79 percent invest time or money because they are passionate about the cause.
Cause-oriented and value-driven, people in Generation Y will possess more power than any previous generation. They are the most passionate and idealistic generation, according Marleen Litt, a social worker and chair of the American Friends of Reuth’s Young Leadership Division.
Volunteer management software monitors millennials’ volunteer activity
This demographic sees volunteer opportunities as a way to connect with like-minded individuals. In 2012, 73 percent of individuals in this category volunteered for a non-profit. People from Generation Y want to help other people and become part of a community that is equally eager to make a difference. When a volunteer feels their time is appreciated, they are more likely to return and contribute time.
An NPO can monitor the volunteer activity of millennials by utilizing a volunteer management system. Many software programs create and promote opportunities online, manage volunteer tasks and record a volunteer’s special skills.
Gen Y individuals are eager to contribute
Millennials are becoming a promising donor pool. According to Bloomerang, over the next four decades, no demographic will have the financial resources to influence an NPO more than Gen Y. In 5 years, this demographic will be spending $200 billion annually and $10 trillion throughout their life, Adage reported.
While millennials do not have the dough now, nearly 83 percent of respondents donated to an organization in 2012, the 2013 Millennial Impact Report indicated. In the same year, about 40 percent donated amounts from $1 to $50 and another 23 percent gave at $51 to $100 levels. While it’s not a lot of money, millennials are eager to contribute. This is promising for the future.
Donor management software helps organizations keep track of all of these contributions. A software program monitors all donation activity, which makes it easier for organizations to reach out to millennials in years to come.
If individuals from Generation Y feel their contributions are making an impact, they will most likely donate to the organization. In fact, 69 percent contributed when they felt inspired by an organization, and 49 percent were more likely to donate when they knew how their gifts impacted the organization’s work. Nonprofits need to show this impact, Hubspot indicated. Generation Y individuals want to know and see the difference they can make. Organizations can illustrate the impact by sharing relevant statistics and results.
Additionally, millennials are willing to fundraise on behalf of a nonprofit. They are not afraid to solicit donations from family and friends. Gen Y is also interested in requesting donations in lieu of gifts for birthdays and other celebratory events.
Organizations need to adapt to mobile trends
According to the 2013 Millennial Report, Generation Y prefers to connect through technology. This demographic typically gathers information, finds volunteer opportunities and donates online by using websites. From social media, emails and mobile devices, millennials are embracing all of the tech-savvy products. In fact, 83 percent of millennials have smartphones.
NPOs need to keep up with these trends by crafting mobile-friendly content. A responsive design website will more likely engage millennials on the move. Unfortunately, 76 percent of millennials’ express frustration sifting through a non-mobile friendly website. The report indicated that it is best to make buttons large so the mobile user can easily identify and click on them.
Millennials engage with nonprofits through social media channels
Nearly half of respondents follow one to five organizations on social media. When an NPO connected with a young adult through social media, three-quarters of respondents retweeted, liked and shared posts, video, or images. Social media also played a major role in encouraging millennials to donate. For an organization to embrace the social media frenzy, it needs to build a content schedule, collect personal stories and photos, and incorporate interesting content.
An NPO is more likely to engage with this demographic when it employs all of these Generation Y-tailored strategies. Just think, an organization’s current volunteers could eventually turn into staff, board members and significant donors.