Giving Compass' Take:

• Chandelle Wiebe describes how Millennials respond to the word charity — seeing it as a dated term that denotes weakness, rather than empowerment.

• How can foundations and nonprofits adapt to the next generation of givers? It starts by focusing on "asset-based approaches" that transfer power and agency to the disadvantaged.

• Interested in generational dynamics? Learn more about Millennials, family wealth and philanthropy.


“Coddled,” “entitled” and (digitally) “self-absorbed” are just a few of the terms I have heard in response to the word “millennial.” While 18-to-35-year-olds are often categorized as the “me” generation, there is a lot to be said about the other (more redeeming) characteristics that I feel have proven to define the cohort. Among them is our collective determination to make a positive impact on the world. I say “world” because millennials are far and away the most connected and “global” adult generation to date, given that our formative years ran parallel to the rise of internet giants like Facebook and Google.

While the physical barriers removed by the digital age have empowered millennials (and everyone else) with internet access to post artfully curated photos of designer lattes, they have also advanced our ability to be researchers on topics and issues that span the globe.

According to The 2017 Millennial Impact Report, “Most millennials don’t self-identify as activists, but rather as supporters.” From my perspective, this suggests that the 's' in “support” may really stand for $. This, paired with the fact that, in 2016, millennials became the largest generation to comprise the current labor force, should serve as a wake-up call for nonprofits that have been meaning to get around to revamping their look, brand and even missions in order to attract the next generation of “charitable” givers. I use charitable in quotes because while the word may have a different interpretation depending on who you ask, for millennials, it’s often seen as a dated term (think Myspace).

Read the full article about how millennials feel about charity by Chandelle Wiebe at Forbes Nonprofit Council.