For the most part, millennials are given a lot of grief about their behaviour by other generations, with many declaring them coddled, arrogant and self-entitled. With a reputation such as this, it shouldn’t be so surprising that many believe this is a generation that simply doesn’t want to give. Fortunately for nonprofits, this opinion is mostly wrong.

Millennials aren’t entirely self-absorbed as so many falsely believe, and they do want to give to charities. Millennials are most inspired to donate, however, when they can do so on their own terms.  The following tips will help you cast your cause in a light that’s more appealing to this technology-driven cohort.

Emphasise the Experience

From their choices in subjects to study to the occupations they later pursue, for millennials, meaningful experiences will always trump money and material possessions. To encourage greater giving from this group, you will need to seek to connect with them in a meaningful way.

Share your nonprofit’s stories and use them to illustrate just what is at stake, and how their contribution will directly impact the cause. Look for ways to involve them in your work such as hands-on projects that allow them to put their time and talents to good use advancing your mission. The more ways that you can directly involve them in your organisation’s activities, the more likely this generation will be to give to your work.

Partner to Create a Better Future

Of all the many characteristics ascribed to them, millennials have been described as one of the most forward-thinking generations in existence. They are inspired by thoughts of creating a better future for themselves and subsequent generations.

To attract more contributions, nonprofits should invest in the future, and create opportunities for millennials to partner with them to create lasting improvements. This means taking steps to increase your NFP’s transparency when it comes to reporting, and your decision-making processes. It also means going a step further than you might have otherwise to show how your nonprofit’s work is addressing not only today’s problems, but issues that our communities and world may need to face years down the road.

Make it Easy to Contribute

This generation is used to have information, and the ability to take immediate action, right at their fingertips. If you want them to give to your nonprofit, you must make it easy for them to give, and use payment systems and methods that they prefer to use.

Optimising your site for mobile use is a great beginning, but don’t stop there. Make sure that your NFP is set up to accept payments by text, and that Facebook and your other social media profiles include a donate now button so that they can take immediate action to contribute when they read a post or other story that resonates with them emotionally and prompts them to act.

Mobile-friendly kiosks, accepting payments with a swipe or click from digital wallets stored on their devices and other tech-friendly payments appeal to millennials because they make giving fast and simple.

As millennials begin to finish their education and move on and up in their careers, they will soon make up the lion’s share of our economy. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to take steps and build your relationship with this group so that your NFP has the support it needs to continue to grow and meet your community’s needs both now and in the future.