Understanding what age demographics are the most likely to donate helps individuals know who to target when holding fundraisers. While almost everyone wants to help others, some age groups are more inclined to contribute than others. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the trend of giving and explore which generation donates the most.
Traditionalists and Donation
Individuals born between 1922 and 1943 fall into the traditional generation group. Most trends show that around 88 percent of this demographic donates to charity. They make up 26 percent of overall charitable giving. Although traditionalists aren’t number one for generous generations, they still have high numbers.
One reason for the increased compassion in this age demographic is that these individuals likely grew up during or just after the Great Depression. As a result, they understand the struggles of poverty and don’t want others to face them.
Baby Boomers and Donation
When it comes to the trend of giving, baby boomers are the generation that donates the most. These individuals make up a whopping 43 percent of charitable giving! Baby boomers make up most of the population in the US and are at a life stage where donating is typically easily affordable. On average, a single baby boomer supports about five different charities. Many give to organizations revolving around social services, children, and animals.
What Are Social Services?
Charities involved in social services often fight to prevent hunger and homelessness while advocating for equal opportunity. Clothing charities are a wonderful example of this type of organization.
Gen X and Donation
Gen Xers make up about 20 percent of charitable giving, less than Baby Boomers and Traditionalists. This smaller contribution percentage is due, in part, to the fact that many individuals born between 1965 and 1980 are more likely to question organizations. Gen Xers want to ensure that their money goes to the right cause. If a charity isn’t transparent about allocating funds, these individuals are less likely to support them.
Millennials and Donation
Finally, we have millennials! This young demographic only makes up 11 percent of all charitable giving. Although this number is small, it doesn’t mean millennials are stingy or that the love for giving has died out. A millennial is anyone born between 1981 and 1996, and the oldest is 42 years old. Most don’t have the generational wealth of the previous groups. Moreover, college, homes, and overall living prices have gone up.
The good news is that most millennials want to contribute to positive change in our world. They search out ways to help their community to make it a better place for everyone. The older half of Gen Z—including those born between 1997-2012—hold similar views to millennials.
Donate to Charity
Every generation wants to make the world a better place for everyone. Project B Green is a local for-profit organization that partners with non-profits to improve the community for everyone. We accept in-kind charitable donations such as clothing, shoes, books, and media. Please contact us for more information on our services and acceptable items.