4 Ways to Engage Millennials and Gen Z in Generosity
I wrote a check the other day.
Even for this old Boomer, it was an unusual experience. My handwriting was terrible. I hope the bank can read the numbers I scribbled out, let alone my signature.
For you see, check writing is so Last Century.
Free Will is my favorite go-to for (free) excellent webinars. Recently, they hosted How to Effectively Fundraise from Millennials and Gen Z in 2026.
This is where I learned that only 8% of Millennials (ages 30-45) prefer to pay by check, and only 25% of Gen Z (ages 14-29) have ever written a check. I also learned that 46% of all U.S. adults did not write a check in 2023. That number will, obviously, continue to increase over time. Churches take note.
There was much more to discover about Millennials and Gen Z in this webinar. Here are my takeaways:
Offer them a digital way to give. Churches that long for younger members need to get in the digital game. Make it easy for their generosity to shine. Offer online giving, QR codes, and electronic kiosks (e.g., The Square) during worship. The offering plate is quickly becoming a relic to younger generations.
Communicate differently. That means texting them (nearly a 100% open rate), developing personalized emails, and directly messaging them through social media. In addition, short iPhone videos (think 2-minutes) will capture their attention far more effectively than an email. Here’s an eye-opener: 19% of Millennials never listen to their voicemails (well, that explains why my kids never return my calls).
Give them the opportunity to meaningfully volunteer. If you ask Millennials or Gen Zs to volunteer (which you should do), make sure it’s an opportunity that best meshes with their skills and passions. That means you need to have a conversation with them to find out about their skills and passions. Have that cup of coffee.
Help them be in service to the world. Your outreach to the community is one of the biggest draws for Millennials and Gen Z. Develop more and varied connections to the community. Invite them to participate.
Another thing to note:
Millennials and some Gen Zs are coming into their own financially. Why? Over the next two decades, a whopping $124 trillion will transfer from Baby Boomers to younger generations through legacy gifts. Some Millennials have already been a part of that wealth transfer.
Bottom line:
Younger generations are primed to give to congregations and organizations they feel are authentic, have purpose, and are a place where they belong.
It will take educating them so that they know their stewardship/philanthropy matters.
It will depend on you developing meaningful relationships with them.
It will mean doing things differently – things that will take some effort and get you out of your comfort zone.
The result? More joyful and meaningful generosity.
What a blessing that will be for all generations.
Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev @pexels.com
####Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. As a public service, she wants you to learn How to Speak Gen Z.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
If someone has forwarded this to you and you would like to subscribe to "Inspiring Generosity," click here. Miss an issue? Click here.