If you look around the room at a typical fundraising gala you will likely see mostly Baby Boomers in the room. Born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation is one of the most giving and financially generous generations, according to Charitable Impact. However, as Baby Boomers start to age out of events, it is essential for nonprofit organizations to adapt and attract a younger generation in order to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are often called the "activist generation" because of their commitment to social and political causes. This group is highly active on social media, offering tremendous potential for spreading the word about your nonprofit. Their posts, shares, and likes can significantly boost your visibility and engagement.
Younger attendees bring innovative ideas and new perspectives, helping to refresh and modernize event strategies and fundraising approaches. Here are a few ways to put on a fundraising event that will attract a younger generation to your event:
Interactive Experiences: Unlike traditional fundraising events, younger guests prefer interactive and immersive experiences. Think about incorporating technology like VR stations, interactive exhibits, or live demonstrations that align with your cause.
Transparency and Impact: Millennials and Gen Z are highly motivated by transparency and a clear understanding of how their contributions make a difference. They want to see tangible results and real-life stories showcasing the impact of their donations. Add mission tables or other interactive elements to your event where guests can see stories of how their contributions are being used.
Reimagine the Gala: Formal dinners and black-tie events might not be as appealing to younger attendees. Consider hosting more relaxed, social events such as networking mixers, themed parties, or outdoor festivals where guests can mingle and connect. For example, for a university client, we took an event that had traditionally been a gala and turned it into “The Party”: an outdoor festival complete with bands and food booths. We attracted a younger audience and by executing a more approachable and “fun” event, and we were able to introduce recent grads to philanthropy at their alma mater.
Sustainability and Ethics: Younger generations are highly conscious of environmental and ethical issues. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, whether through eco-friendly event practices or supporting ethical vendors, can resonate strongly with them. At one of our events, we placed signs at each table identifying the carbon emissions that each food choice produced so folks could understand the effect their meal choices had on the environment.
Tech Integration: Providing technology into your events can greatly enhance the experience for all attendees but is a must for the younger generations. This could be through mobile apps for event schedules, QR codes for instant information, or even livestreaming the event for those who can't attend in person.
Volunteerism: Gen Z and Millenials are more likely than your older supporters to donate their time volunteering at events. By encouraging younger volunteers, not only will you get them really invested in the mission, it will also provide you with dedicated volunteer support and help you appeal to other younger folks who may want to attend your events.
By embracing the preferences of younger generations and integrating them with the tried-and-true elements older guests love, you can create fundraising events that are dynamic, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved.
If you need help to ensure that your events remain relevant and exciting for all generations, click on the link below to set up a consultation call. Or visit our Services page to see what GFS Events can do for you.