GIVING SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL 8 · 2017 GG Gretchen Russell, Keith Seiwert, Barb Houser, Jim Lewis, Christy Wilson, Crystal Mapp Companies across the nation are exhausting countless resources to better understand ‘Generation Y’ or ‘Millennials’ as they enter the workforce and cause disruption. Their motives are often misunderstood, as the intention is not to challenge current methods, but to better understand their purpose and how to make a difference. This also influences their perspective on philanthropy, and non-profit organizations need to be prepared as this generation finds charitable causes to support. Non-profits must begin by understanding what motivates this generation. Millennials are looking for causes that maximize their impact, mirror their values and social responsibilities, and provide immediate results. The ability to offer time and talent will become increasingly more important to the future philanthropist. As they build and inherit wealth, they also will contribute significant financial resources to causes they deem worthy. This particular group includes those who are highly networked in their communities and industries and have a strong desire to problem solve rather than solely offer financial support. They want to use these connections to offer time, talent, and professional expertise, and they want to do it now. Millennials are often diligent in their decision making; they will research the organization, its stakeholders, and its mission before becoming engaged. Millennials have strong philanthropic values that were shaped by their parents and grandparents, and these values drive and motivate them. They will seek to create a legacy and continue to support causes important to their family. However, they also will gravitate towards new causes through social media and internet research. This generation values relationship building and often forms stronger connections with the organizations they support. This begins with a hands-on approach, almost like a job interview. Is the organization a good fit for me? Do they adhere to the same values? Can I make a difference here? Connecting is more than just a board or committee position; it is serving in a purposeful way that directly reflects an organization’s mission. Non-profit organizations must start today and try to better align themselves with future philanthropists; allocating resources and creating tools to develop more meaningful relationships. This will increase future success rates by offering millennials the opportunities they seek to make a tangible and immediate impact. KPM CPAs & Advisors SPRINGFIELD, MO 1445 E. Republic Road Springfield, MO 65804 Phone: 417-882-4300 BRANSON, MO 500 W. Main Street, Suite 200 Branson, MO 65616 Phone: 417-334-2987 kpmcpa.com The Future Philanthropist Keith Seiwert, CPA