At CGK, our research has consistently shown that Gen Z is changing the way individuals, businesses, and nonprofits think about giving. This generation, despite often having limited financial resources, is driving donations, amplifying causes, and influencing others to take action—particularly through digital platforms like GoFundMe.
CGK President Jason Dorsey was recently featured in Yahoo Life discussing this important trend. Gen Z’s approach to philanthropy is redefining charitable giving, making it more personal, digital, and immediate than ever before.
A New Approach to Giving
For older generations, philanthropy often followed a structured model—donating to well-established nonprofits, writing checks, and contributing to large-scale fundraising campaigns. Gen Z, however, has completely reshaped this model. They are drawn to causes with immediate, tangible impact, whether that means helping a friend in need, supporting a local family, or contributing to a grassroots movement.
Rather than focusing solely on national organizations, Gen Z prioritizes direct, personal giving—often to individuals and communities they can see and connect with. They don’t just want to donate; they want to experience the effect of their generosity in real time.
This shift is being powered by platforms like GoFundMe, which make donating as simple as clicking a button. These platforms also allow Gen Z to publicly share their support, encouraging others to join in. Unlike previous generations, who often kept charitable giving private, Gen Z is 10 times more likely to publicly share that they donated, according to GoFundMe. But this isn’t about recognition—it’s about mobilization.
Gen Z’s Real Superpower: Influence
One of the biggest misconceptions about Gen Z and philanthropy is that their impact is limited by their financial resources. In reality, their influence is their greatest asset.
Gen Z is a generation of mobilizers. They are more likely than any previous generation to rally their social networks around a cause, create viral content to drive donations, and use their voices to inspire action. They may not have the deepest pockets, but they have a very strong ability to amplify a message.
What sets Gen Z apart is their authenticity. They won’t support a cause unless they truly believe in it, but when they do, their advocacy is passionate, persistent, and far-reaching. This is a generation that not only gives but also encourages others to do the same.
The Future of Philanthropy Is Digital and Immediate
Gen Z’s approach to philanthropy is reshaping how nonprofits, businesses, and individuals engage with giving. This generation isn’t interested in outdated, slow-moving charitable models. They expect transparency, digital accessibility, and real-time impact.
Organizations that want to engage with Gen Z donors must meet them where they are—on digital platforms, through compelling storytelling, and with immediate, visible results. This shift is already happening, with more companies integrating giving into their platforms and more nonprofits adapting their strategies to connect with younger donors.
The takeaway? Gen Z is redefining what it means to give. It’s not about the size of the donation—it’s about the impact. And their influence is proving that even small contributions, when amplified, can create meaningful change.
At The Center for Generational Kinetics, we continue to study and share insights on how each generation is reshaping industries, work, and society. Gen Z’s approach to giving is just one more way they are driving change, and organizations that understand their mindset will be best positioned to engage with the donors of the future.
Want more on Gen Z? Check out our latest bestselling book, Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business—And What to Do About It by clicking here, or download one of our free State of Gen Z reports by clicking here.
