Giving Compass' Take:

• This Forbes Nonprofit Council post attempts to debunk some of the myths about millennial workers and show ways that nonprofits can cultivate them as leaders in the space.

• Millennials aren't lazy and unmotivated, but they do need support and guidance. This is a good starting point for any organization that has struggled to recruit these smart and passionate workers.

• Here's more on how the next generation is changing philanthropy.

Like a lot of millennials in the nonprofit space, I started off idealistic. I quickly realized that in many nonprofits, the demands on your time are high, staff is low and timelines are short — all of which do not naturally facilitate supportive management, collaboration and growth. This can send employees running to other opportunities. From my own experience, there were four things that kept me committed and growing in the nonprofit field.

  1. Leadership Support. The role of the manager in setting the tone and culture for your nonprofit team is pivotal.
  2. Investment In Training. When your organization is able, sending new team members to industry conferences can really help expand their passion, investment and strategic knowledge.
  3. Belief That Age Is Not A Hindrance. Many nonprofits make the mistake of assuming that key donors will not take millennials seriously, but that is often not the case. As a result of this thinking, millennial employees can miss out on opportunities to learn and grow within their organization.
  4. Decent Pay And Benefits. This is a sore spot for many nonprofit organizations. But please note I said decent, not amazing or jaw-dropping. Student loan debt is a burden that many people are carrying right now. If your nonprofit does not pay a decent wage, it's likely that your staff will eventually leave.

Read the full article about motivating millennials to become nonprofit leaders by Amy Sewell at Forbes Nonprofit Council.