How can you create a fundraising campaign that resonates with Generation Z?

GenZ prefers to interact thru social media. They hardly read emails. One can convert podcast, investor pitch, demo and customer feedback into Instagram reels/YouTube stories that would attract their attention.

Attracting a GenZ audience is no different than attracting any generation of donors: 1) Know who you're talking to 2) Know where, when, and how to engage them 3) Be authentic, tell good stories 4) Make the giving process easy 5) Thank, engage, and create relationships The difference with GenZ and previous generations is the preference for anonymity and privacy while simultaneously expecting personalization and 1:1 connection.

In the process of creating story for your nonprofit, keep this in mind. The rising generation has grown up with access to the world's best media sources competing for their attention online. There's no bottleneck for great content any longer, and people don't need to pay for access to information. So what is scarce in this information landscape is authenticity and relatability. In storytelling for the next generation, nonprofits need to remember that there is a hunger for authentic connection and community.

As with all fundraising, outreach to Gen Z-ers must reach, resonate with, inspire, and show impact. Take the time to get to know what makes Gen Z tick, where they are likely to see your message, and show them how their support helps. I believe an example of great support from Gen Z hails from Le Moyne College, where students can donate part of their meal plan to other students dealing with food-insecurity. During their 2023 Giving Day, hundreds of students responded. This offers a glimpse into what matters to all donors- the desire to make a real difference, whether at the micro and macro level.

There has to be a compelling story expressing the pain point and the storyline should convince the reader/viewer about their power to solve the pain point. i.e. startup themed on circular economy can create a emotional decision point for Genz to contribute with a micro investment.

To engage Gen Z in the fundraising process, organizations can leverage their digital fluency and desire for authentic experiences. a. Gamification: Implementing gamification elements within fundraising campaigns can captivate Gen Z's attention. Creating interactive challenges, leaderboards, and rewards for fundraising milestones can turn the process into a fun and competitive activity. b. Engagement: Incorporating opportunities for direct involvement and tangible impact can resonate with Gen Z's desire for meaningful experiences. Offering more volunteer opportunities, organizing local events, or facilitating hands-on projects related to the cause can foster a deeper sense of ownership and commitment to fundraising efforts.

Engage Gen Z with a catchy name like #GreenGenZ, infuse humor, and gamify tasks. Optimize for mobile, integrate social media, offer rewards, and keep the call-to-action clear. Make it fun and easy to participate and share!

Exploring campus influencers/ambassadors to raise friends and family round should be a considerable option for student entrepreneurs at pre-seed stage.

To captivate Gen Z in fundraising, opt for user-friendly tools or apps that seamlessly integrate into their daily routines. Take Spave, for instance. This app revolutionizes spending habits by channeling a portion of your purchases towards charitable causes. By allocating just 5% of your spending to a nonprofit of your preference, you can effortlessly make a positive impact. For instance, buying dog food can simultaneously support your local dog rescue, making every purchase count.