Abstract
The nonprofit sector in the United States and in West Michigan is undergoing a monumental transformation as Baby Boomers pass on their wealth to next generations who will eventually become the driving force in philanthropic giving. It is critical, then, that nonprofit organizations begin to answer questions about these generations and their giving habits. What are the attitudes and desires of these generations as they relate to philanthropy? How will they give philanthropically and to what organizations? What, if anything, should nonprofit organizations do in order to engage these donors? This paper explores these questions, providing insights into the literature on the topic as well as anecdotal evidence about how West Michigan nonprofit organizations are addressing these issues drawn from a series of personal interviews. The introduction includes an overarching view of the transition that will take place in the near future and the paper goes on to discuss who these next generation donors are, their philanthropic identity, how they give, how organizations might engage them and finally recommendations for organizations on the best approaches to ensure their organizations are noticed by next generations and are able to continue to serve their communities in the future.
Recommended Citation
Hanley Semelbauer, Katelyn
(2015)
"The Next Generation of Philanthropic Giving in West Michigan and Beyond,"
SPNHA Review: Vol. 11:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/spnhareview/vol11/iss1/6