Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – are stepping into their prime as volunteers, donors, and changemakers. They’ve grown up in a digital world, shaped by social activism, economic uncertainty, and an always-online culture. And while they may not have the disposable income of older generations, they make up for it with passion, purpose, and a desire to create real change.
So why focus on them? Because they’re the future of giving. While Millennials (1981 – 1996) currently lead in charitable donations, Gen Z is catching up fast – and they give differently. They don’t just want to support a cause; they want to be part of the solution. They’re hands-on, socially aware, and motivated by impact over obligation. If non-profits don’t engage with them now, they risk missing out on an entire generation of committed supporters.
But here’s the thing – traditional fundraising and volunteer models don’t work on Gen Z. They’re digital-first, peer-influenced, and expect seamless, transparent, and interactive engagement. So, how do you get them on board? Let’s dive into what works.
1. Purpose Over Promotion
Gen Z doesn’t just want to donate; they want to see impact. They care deeply about social justice, climate change, and grassroots movements. If they don’t see tangible results, they won’t engage – simple as that.
How to Connect:
- Be transparent. Show them where their money or time is going with real stories, real people, and real change.
- Focus on impact, not just asking for donations. Share the journey, not just the outcome.
- Give them a voice. Ask for their ideas and let them co-create campaigns with you.
Use infoodle’s donor and volunteer management tools to track engagement and demonstrate real impact with data-backed storytelling.
2. Digital-First Engagement
Forget printed flyers and cold calls – Gen Z lives online. They want quick, seamless interactions with non-profits, whether they’re donating, signing up to volunteer, or sharing your cause with their networks.
Best Practices:
- Optimise your website for mobile – if they can’t sign up or donate in under a minute, they’ll move on.
- Be where they are: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube. If your social media presence isn’t engaging, they won’t engage.
- Use video – short-form, engaging, and authentic content grabs their attention better than walls of text.
Create online donation and event registration forms with infoodle for mobile-friendly interaction, making it easier for Gen Z to support your cause on the go.
3. Peer Influence and Social Proof
Gen Z trusts their peers more than institutions. If their favourite influencer, best friend, or co-worker is backing a cause, they’re far more likely to support it too.
How to Leverage This:
- Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising – give them the tools to create their own fundraising campaigns.
- Partner with micro-influencers or community leaders who genuinely care about your cause.
- Make it easy for them to share – provide ready-made social media graphics, templates, and hashtags.
4. Volunteering That Works for Their Lifestyle
Traditional volunteer models don’t always fit into Gen Z’s fast-paced, gig-economy lifestyle. They want flexibility and opportunities that match their skills and schedules.
What They’re Looking For:
- Remote or micro-volunteering – opportunities they can do in their own time, from anywhere.
- Skill-based volunteering – using their digital, creative, or analytical skills to contribute.
- Social volunteering – group-based opportunities where they can bring friends.
Volunteer management tools in infoodle make it easy to offer flexible, role-specific volunteering opportunities and keep track of participation.
5. Subscription Over One-Off Donations
Gen Z grew up on Netflix and Spotify, so they’re comfortable with subscriptions. They’d rather commit to small, ongoing donations than one big lump sum.
How to Make This Work:
- Offer monthly giving options that are easy to set up.
- Frame it as a “membership” or exclusive community to create a sense of belonging.
- Show regular impact updates so they stay engaged with where their money is going.
Use infoodle’s donation tracking tools to help set up and manage sustainable giving programmes with minimal admin effort.
A Philanthropic Powerhouse
Engaging Gen Z isn’t about reinventing the wheel – it’s about adapting to the way they interact with the world. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, but they need it to be accessible, meaningful, and (above all) authentic.
By leveraging digital tools, offering flexible opportunities, and prioritising transparency, your non-profit can build a strong connection with Gen Z as both volunteers and donors. And with infoodle’s suite of tools helping to manage engagement, fundraising, and communication, you’ll have everything you need to make it happen.
The next generation of giving is already here. Is your organisation ready to meet them?
