Series description: In uncertain times, diversifying your donor base is more important than ever. In this discussion series, we’ll get granular about how to expand your donor community authentically and sustainably. We’ll explore what it takes to supercharge revenue growth and, simultaneously, forge deep connections between your mission and your community—to achieve lasting impact.

Our 2025 event series will explore:

How to authentically connect with new donor communities
How to steward new relationships for long-term connection
How to set your team up for successful relationship management

Event description:

Generational changes are upending ‘tried and true’ fundraising techniques. As wealth and philanthropic decision-making power transitions to Generation X and Millennials, giving practices—and priorities—are shifting. As even younger generations begin to use their dollars as advocacy, new opportunities are emerging. Engaging these ‘next-generation’ donors takes more than a strategy shift. It requires a whole new way of thinking about why and how our organizations achieve impact—and how we invite donors into the process.

In this session, we will explore:

What motivates ‘next gen’ donors—and how does that differ from prior generations
How to engage with ‘next gen’ donors in an authentic way
How to shift your communication, cultivation, and stewardship strategies to adapt to up-and-coming generations of donors
How to avoid common mistakes and wasted efforts

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.