Baby Boomers Impact Non-Profit World

With 81.5 million baby boomers making up 26.4 percent of the U.S. population and many entering retirement, the impact they are having on the non-profit world is impressive. Not only is this group giving a portion of their dollars to their favorite charities, but they are also benefitting the non-profit world by volunteering or returning to the work force to help those in need.

Forbes magazine contributor Kerry Hannon gives one such example: “Today, Civic Ventures, a nonprofit think tank that focuses on boomers and encore careers with social purpose, announced a program with the Santa Clara, CA-based chip maker to offer all of Intel’s U.S. employees who are eligible to retire the chance to apply for Encore Fellowships – paid, part-time, yearlong assignments working at local nonprofits… And take note, these are paid positions. Encore Fellows are paired with nonprofits, where they typically work 1,000 hours over a six-to-12-month period, through either a part or full-time schedule, and earn a stipend of $25,000.”

Obviously from this type of partnership, everybody wins. The non-profit organization gains a skilled worker with experience at a minimal to no cost investment and the retiree is making a difference in countless lives while still remaining active and earning an income. Some of these fellowships also have the potential for long term positions in which these workers can truly dedicate themselves to the cause that touches their hearts.

Hannon also states that, “New research from Civic Ventures and MetLife Foundation shows that as many as 9 million people, or 9 percent of all people ages 44 to 70, are currently in encore careers, having made major career changes after age 40 or come out of retirement to do work that combines personal meaning, continued income and social purpose.”

On a side note, Baby Boomers make up the largest segment of donors in the non-profit world reports About.com. While traditional direct mail campaigns are most successful with this generation, many are jumping on the technology revolution and donate online (however the most common practice is a check via the mail.) And with increasing computer usage and skill, most Baby Boomers research an organization’s website before committing to making a monetary contribution.

Garnering support is a main focus of any charity and engaging people of all ages helps to ensure the health of your organization. Whether it be through volunteerism or financial support, it’s important to engage your donors and appeal to a variety of generations.