Before we give you the treasure map, you must understand two important facts:

1) They are growing. Millennials were born roughly from 1980 to 2000 and according to the Pew Research Center they have surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest living generation in the U.S.

2) They are different. According to the New York Times, Millennials are “showing little interest in the types of philanthropic organizations that were preferred by their parents and grandparents. Instead, they have unleashed many of the same skills and values that helped to revolutionize everything from communications to political organizing to reimagine charitable giving.”

Ready to begin your quest? Here’s five tips to discover your Millennial fundraisers:

1) Sail the online seas

Some non-profits and ministries have trouble embracing online and mobile strategies. According to Philanthropy News Digest, online giving (including mobile) increased 7.2 percent in 2016. That number will only continue to grow, fueled by Millennials who grew up using computers, laptops, and smartphones and do most of their business on those screens. There has never been a better time for your organization to embrace technology, especially when considering the fundraising potential.

2) Fly your organization’s flag

The research is clear: Millennials give to causes, not organizations. From the New York Times: “Millennials tend to view their gifts, financial or otherwise, as a lifestyle choice on par with work and consumer spending.” Further, Millennials want to see the results of their donations. According to TheBalance.com, “Millennials want nonprofits to give them concrete evidence that their giving has an impact.” Whether it’s at events, on your website, social media or even printed materials, make it a priority to tell a clear story of your organization’s mission and successes.

3) Don’t fear social media

The 2015 survey of the Millennial Research Project, found that Millennials are most likely to give when they’re inspired by an organization and can see examples of the impact of their gifts. And they want to share their experience on social media. The hard facts are that social media platforms provide a powerful recruiting tool for Millennial donors, especially when done right. The added benefit? Once this group takes up your cause and begins sharing the work, they become valuable ambassadors of your brand to others within their circle, increasing the fundraising potential even further.

4) Let them board your ship

The connections Millennials want to make — both with a cause and on social media — means organizations must readjust their strategies when asking for donations. According to NonProfitHub.org, “a blatant ask for money right away may turn them off and send them in search of an organization that’s more interested in engaging with them on a deeper, more consistent level.” Since they are younger and sometimes less established in their professional careers, the best some can give is their time to volunteer. Understand the process: Today’s volunteers will be tomorrow’s committed donors.

5) Make us your navigator!

ClearGIVE is on the forefront of the push to understand and increase Millennial fundraising. We provide non-profits and ministries nationwide a complete giving solution, with software to optimize your website and strategies to power your social media. With mobile giving, kiosks, pledge campaigns, back-end management tools and more, we can help you develop this new generation of donors!