How can you engage millennials in your non-profit's mission?

Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce and the most socially conscious. They care about causes that align with their values and want to make a difference in the world. But how can you attract and retain their attention, support, and involvement in your non-profit's mission? Here are some tips to help you engage millennials in your non-profit's work.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 2 contributions. Learn more

1 Be authentic and transparent

Millennials value authenticity and transparency in the organizations they support. They want to know how their donations are used, what impact they have, and how they can get involved. They also want to hear from the people who benefit from your non-profit's services and programs. Use stories, videos, and testimonials to show them the real faces and voices behind your mission. Share your successes and challenges, your goals and strategies, and your feedback and learning. Invite them to ask questions and offer suggestions. Show them that you are accountable, honest, and open to dialogue.

Add your perspective

Alessandro Onano

Chief Marketing Officer @Moneyfarm | B2B, B2C, B2B2C global marketing, brand, communication and growth strategy.
Report contribution
Engaging millennials requires unwavering authenticity and transparency. They seek clarity on donation usage, its impact, and avenues for involvement. Integrating real stories, videos, and testimonials brings the mission to life. It's essential to share triumphs, setbacks, objectives, and insights. Foster an environment welcoming questions and feedback, underlining an organization's accountability and openness. For millennials, honest dialogue and demonstrable results are paramount.

Like

2 Be relevant and relatable

Millennials want to support causes that matter to them and resonate with their personal experiences and interests. They want to see how your non-profit's mission connects to the issues they care about, such as climate change, social justice, or education. They also want to relate to your non-profit's brand, culture, and values. Use language, images, and channels that appeal to them and reflect their diversity and identity. Use humor, emotion, and creativity to capture their attention and inspire them. Use social media, podcasts, blogs, and webinars to reach them where they are and engage them in conversations.

Add your perspective

Alessandro Onano

Chief Marketing Officer @Moneyfarm | B2B, B2C, B2B2C global marketing, brand, communication and growth strategy.
Report contribution
Connecting with millennials means building a genuine bond rooted in shared values. They seek causes reflecting their lived experiences and societal passions. Using relatable language, imagery, and a hint of humour is key. Employing platforms like social media and podcasts fosters meaningful dialogue. Most critically, millennials are driven by the "why" behind an organisation. By aligning with their values and taking clear stances on contemporary issues, non-profits can foster a lasting, trust-based relationship.

Like

3 Be flexible and adaptable

Millennials want to have options and choices in how they support and participate in your non-profit's mission. They want to have control over their time, money, and skills. They want to have opportunities to learn, grow, and network. They also want to have fun and enjoy themselves. Offer them different ways to donate, volunteer, advocate, and fundraise for your non-profit. Allow them to customize their giving and involvement according to their preferences and availability. Provide them with training, mentoring, and recognition. Create events, campaigns, and challenges that are fun, interactive, and social.

Add your perspective

4 Be collaborative and inclusive

Millennials want to be part of a community and a movement. They want to feel that they belong and that they matter. They want to collaborate with others who share their passion and vision. They also want to be inclusive and respectful of different perspectives and backgrounds. Encourage them to join your non-profit's network, board, or advisory group. Invite them to co-create solutions, projects, or events with you and your partners. Ask them to share their stories, opinions, and feedback with you and your audience. Celebrate their contributions and achievements. Acknowledge their diversity and uniqueness.

Add your perspective

5 Be impactful and innovative

Millennials want to make a difference and see results. They want to know that their support and involvement are making a positive change in the world. They also want to see that your non-profit is innovative and forward-thinking. Show them the impact and outcomes of your non-profit's work. Use data, metrics, and indicators to measure and demonstrate your progress and effectiveness. Use stories, images, and videos to illustrate and humanize your impact. Use technology, design, and experimentation to improve and innovate your work. Show them that you are constantly learning, adapting, and evolving.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you engage millennials in your non-profit's mission?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Be authentic and transparent

2 Be relevant and relatable

3 Be flexible and adaptable

4 Be collaborative and inclusive

5 Be impactful and innovative

6 Here’s what else to consider

Nonprofit Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Nonprofit Management

More relevant reading

How can you engage millennials in your non-profit's mission?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Be authentic and transparent

2 Be relevant and relatable

3 Be flexible and adaptable

4 Be collaborative and inclusive

5 Be impactful and innovative

6 Here’s what else to consider

Nonprofit Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills