Generation Z is quickly becoming one of the most important audiences for nonprofit organizations. While they may not yet have the same financial capacity as older generations, their influence, passion, and digital reach make them a powerful force in modern fundraising.
So, what is the best way to engage Gen Z for fundraising? The short answer: meet them where they are, align with their values, and make giving easy, social, and meaningful.
In this guide, we’ll break down who Gen Z is, what motivates them, and the most effective online and in-person fundraising strategies your organization can use to reach Gen Z donors.
What We’ll Cover
- Who Is Gen Z?
- What Motivates Gen Z to Give?
- The Best Way to Engage Gen Z for Fundraising
- Online Fundraising Ideas That Work for Gen Z
- Online Raffles and Interactive Campaigns
- In-Person Fundraising Ideas That Engage Gen Z
- Experiential or Micro-Fundraising Events
- Volunteer + Fundraise Hybrid Events
- Social Media-Ready Events
- Campus and Alumni Fundraising Campaigns
- How to Turn Gen Z Donors into Long-term Supporters
- Why DoJiggy Is Ideal for Engaging Gen Z
- Final Thoughts on Engaging Gen Z for Fundraising
Who Is Gen Z?
Generation Z generally includes individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s (or 1997-2012). They are the first generation to grow up fully immersed in smartphones, social media, and on-demand digital experiences.
They are also:
- Highly connected: Nearly all Gen Zers own smartphones and spend hours daily online
- Values-driven: They prioritize causes like climate change, racial equity, mental health, and social justice
- Action-oriented: 84% support causes they care about, whether donating, volunteering, or advocating (according to Blackbaud)
- Socially influenced: Highly motivated to give by social media content
What Motivates Gen Z to Give?
Gen Z doesn’t just want to donate. They often want to participate, share, and make an impact they can see.
To effectively engage Gen Z donors, nonprofits must understand what drives their behavior.
Authenticity and Trust.
Gen Z expects transparency. They want to know:
- Where their money is going
- How it’s being used
- What impact the funds raised will create
Social Impact and Values Alignment
This generation is deeply motivated by causes that align with their beliefs. They are more likely to support organizations that reflect their identity and values.
Convenience and Accessibility
Gen Z expects frictionless giving experiences and often gives spontaneously when opportunities fit seamlessly into their daily lives.
They demand functionality such as:
- Mobile-friendly donation pages
- Digital wallet options for quick checkout
- Social media donation tools
- Text-to-donate options
Community and Social Sharing
Giving, just like life, is social for Gen Z. This makes them not just donors, but amplifiers of your mission. They share campaigns with friends and like to participate in peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.
The Best Way to Engage Gen Z for Fundraising
If there’s one overarching strategy to connect with Gen Z supporters, it’s this:
Build a Digital-First, Social, and Impact-Driven Fundraising Experience
That means combining storytelling, the best technology, and community into one seamless experience. Now, let’s break down how to do that.
Online Fundraising Ideas That Work for Gen Z
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaigns
Gen Z thrives on connection and community, making peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising one of the most effective strategies to engage them. With P2P, supporters create their personal fundraising pages and share them on social media with friends and followers. This strategy especially resonates with Gen Z as it feels personal and authentic, encourages friendly competition, and leverages social media networks.
Our peer-to-peer fundraising platform makes setup simple and shareable.
Social Media Fundraising Campaigns
Viral challenges, Hashtag campaigns, influencer partnerships, and storytelling videos and shorts are all popular with young donors. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are where Gen Z spends most of their time, and many discover causes directly through these platforms.
Engage your Gen Z supporters where they are, on social media.
Mobile-First Donation Pages
Convenience is critical for Gen Z. If your donation page isn’t created for mobile, you’re losing Gen Z donors. Make sure your website can accept donations with minimal form fields and a fast checkout. Offering digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal will help.
Livestream Fundraising Events
Live video is one of the most engaging formats for Gen Z. These events create a sense of urgency, interaction, and real-time engagement, all from the comfort of home.
Examples of popular livestream fundraisers for Gen Z include:
- Gaming livestream fundraisers
- Online auctions with a live fund-a-need component
- Virtual concerts and talent shows
Subscription-Style Giving
Gen Z is used to subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.), and this behavior carries over into giving. Organizations can promote monthly giving programs with small, recurring donations to make it affordable and accessible to Gen Z donors. Offering exclusive perks or recognition for monthly donors is always appreciated.
Online Raffles and Interactive Campaigns
Interactive campaigns like online raffles and auctions are highly engaging to donors of all ages. They work well for Gen Z as they offer a gamified experience that can be shareable with friends.
With DoJiggy, nonprofits can easily host online auctions and raffles that appeal to younger audiences.
In-Person Fundraising Ideas That Engage Gen Z
While Gen Z is digital-first, they will value real-world experiences that are social and meaningful. Here are some of the best ideas for Gen Z supporters.
Experiential or Micro-Fundraising Events
Gen Z prefers experiences over traditional events such as charity galas. Some fun ideas include pop-up events, volunteer days, and happy hours or trivia nights with a social component. Make events immersive and memorable, and these donors will be interested.
Volunteer + Fundraise Hybrid Events
Gen Z is highly motivated by hands-on involvement. Combine volunteering with fundraising to excite more Gen Z donors. Some ideas include:
- Community clean-ups with donation pledges
- Fun runs or fitness challenges
- Service days tied to fundraising goals
Social Media-Ready Events
Gen Z loves capturing and sharing their experiences online, which helps promote your cause organically. Think about this and design events with visual elements that make sharing fun.
For example, add a photo booth with a branded backdrop to any fundraiser, or hire a photographer to snap photos during a Color Run or coffee shop fundraiser.
Campus and Alumni Fundraising Campaigns
If your nonprofit targets younger audiences, schools and universities are key. Keep in mind that peer influence is powerful within Gen Z communities, and young supporters will spread the word to their friends.
Some fundraising strategies could include student ambassador or influencer programs, competitions between sororities and fraternities, or engaging a sports team or club to volunteer with your organization.
How to Turn Gen Z Donors into Long-term Supporters
Engaging Gen Z is just the beginning of the fundraising and philanthropic potential that this group represents. Retention is where long-term value lies. Here are ways to steward Gen Z supporters into long-term donors
Communicate Their Impact
Sharing regular updates through email and social media goes a long way with Gen Z supporters. Instead of saying “Help us raise $10,000”, say “Your $25 provides school supplies for one student.” Show them the difference they’re making with great nonprofit storytelling techniques.
Personalize the Giving Experience
Gen Z expects personalization. Use tailored messaging and keep things personal.
Encourage Participation
Gen Z wants to get involved and be part of something bigger, not just make donations. Invite supporters to volunteer and advocate for your cause by sharing content on social media and joining P2P campaigns.
Be Transparent and Honest
Trust is everything for donors, and Gen Z demands transparency from the organizations they support. Be clear about where funds go, as well as the challenges you face.
Create Community
Gen Z values belonging. When supporters feel connected, they stay engaged. Build community through online groups, special events, and ambassador programs.
Why DoJiggy Is Ideal for Engaging Gen Z
To successfully fundraise with Gen Z, nonprofits need the right technology.
DoJiggy provides:
- Mobile-friendly donation pages
- Peer-to-peer fundraising tools
- Gamification tools to inspire competition
- Online auctions, raffles, and more
- Text-to-donate and mobile wallets
- Easy social sharing integrations
These features align perfectly with Gen Z’s expectations for convenience, interactivity, and digital engagement.
Final Thoughts on Engaging Gen Z for Fundraising
There’s no doubt about it, Gen Z is reshaping the future of fundraising.
The best way to engage them is through fun, social, tech-enabled experiences that make them feel connected to your mission. Organizations that adapt to these preferences will attract Gen Z donors and build a new generation of passionate supporters.
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