Behind every contribution lies a ripple effect that changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting impact. At RESPOND, we see this every day. One donation can help survivors find safety, a family rebuild their future, and an entire community grow stronger.
Yet, across the country, giving is declining, especially among younger generations. According to Giving USA 2023, overall charitable giving dropped by 10.5% when adjusted for inflation — the largest decline in decades. Giving USA 2024 reported a further 2.1% decline, continuing this concerning trend. Additionally, younger donors, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, continue to give less than previous generations did at their age. (Giving USA, 2023 & 2024).
Why Is Giving Down Among Younger Generations?
Several key trends help explain:
- Financial Pressures: Younger generations are navigating significant financial stress — including student loan debt, high housing costs, and economic uncertainty — which can limit their capacity to give. For example, many young adults are prioritizing paying off debt over charitable donations (Pew Research Center, 2023).
- Changing Trust in Institutions: Studies show Millennials and Gen Z have lower trust in traditional institutions, including nonprofits, compared to older generations. For instance, the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer found that Gen Z is more likely to trust influencers and peers over established organizations when seeking information on where to give. (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024).
- Desire for Direct Impact: Younger donors are often drawn to giving opportunities where they can see an immediate, tangible result. For example, rather than donating to a nonprofit charity, they may contribute to a friend’s GoFundMe. (Fidelity Charitable, 2023).
How You Can Help Inspire the Next Generation of Givers
Despite the challenges, there’s reason for hope: younger generations are still deeply committed to helping others— they just approach it differently. Here’s how we can support and engage them:
- Lead by Example: Your consistent support creates lasting change. When you share why you give with friends, family, or younger generations, you set a powerful example that inspires others to follow in your footsteps.
- Create Giving Traditions: One RESPOND employee’s family makes giving part of their holiday tradition by setting aside a charitable fund. Each person pitches a cause they care about, creating a meaningful and fun way to engage family members of all ages in making a difference.
- Share the Ripple Effect: Small gifts can have a profound impact. By sharing organizations like RESPOND on social media or in conversation, you help amplify the change. For instance, a $25 donation can provide safe transportation for a survivor to attend a court appointment — a small act that can dramatically change someone’s future. When you connect giving to your values, you help others see how their donations can reflect what they care most about — be it safety, equity, or community empowerment.
One Donation, Infinite Ripples
The beauty of giving is that it multiplies. One gift doesn’t just help one survivor — it strengthens an entire community. The ripple effect encourages others around you to give, volunteer, and believe in a brighter future.
At RESPOND, every donation creates hope, from safe housing to counseling and beyond. When we lead by example and share the impact of our giving, we inspire others to follow suit.
Your donation today could be the start of a ripple that changes countless lives.
Donate now and encourage another to do the same.
Sources:
- Giving USA 2023: Charitable giving dropped by 10.5% when adjusted for inflation — the largest decline in decades.
- Giving USA 2024: A further 2.1% decline in charitable giving, continuing a concerning trend.
- Pew Research Center, 2023: Financial stress, including student loan debt and high housing costs, limits younger generations’ capacity to give.
- Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024: Millennials and Gen Z have lower trust in traditional institutions, with Gen Z trusting influencers and peers over established organizations for information on giving.
- Fidelity Charitable, 2023: Younger donors prefer giving opportunities that offer a direct, tangible result, such as contributing to GoFundMe campaigns instead of nonprofit donations.
