Fact Sheet: Gen Y and Giving Circles

“It's important for those of us in our early and mid-20s to be engaged in philanthropy, particularly at the local level. Not only will we 'get in the habit' of being donors (and our donations will only grow), but we also want to learn about issues and volunteer… It’s about more than just the money!”
— Katy Love, Gather and Give: Let’s Eat, Washington, D.C.

In the United States, the 70 million members of Generation Y (young people between the ages of 18 and 30) control $211 billion in spending. In stark contrast to the more disillusioned members of Generation X, members of Generation Y were raised to believe they can make a difference. They are increasingly turning to giving circles as a way to do just that.

  • More than half of young adults report that they have never been asked to give or volunteer – giving circles provide a way for this generation to take giving into its own hands.
  • Almost one-third of giving circle members are between the ages of 18 and 40.
  • Giving circles offer unique benefits for Generation Y – the opportunity to multiply the impact of an individual contribution and learn more about community needs – all while spending time with friends.

Generation Y Giving Circles in Action

  • A group of 17 young professionals in Washington, D.C., created Gather and Give: Let’s Eat to find a smarter and more strategic way to give back to the community. By going on site visits, volunteering and hosting speakers, the circle has learned a lot about hunger, nutrition and sustainable food production. Members of the circle have donated nearly $2,000 that will be granted to a food-related nonprofit later this year. Outside of monthly dinner meetings, members stay in touch through their own blog and Google group – allowing everyone in the circle to have a voice.
  • A few years after graduating from college, six friends in the Franklin, Ind., area realized that a philanthropic component was missing from their lives. The friends came together to figure out how they could give back to the community that had given them so much and formed Girls Gone Generous. This giving circle now has 32 members, many in their 20s, who have raised $1,800. The circle will give its first grant later this year to the organization that demonstrates the greatest need in Franklin. 
  • The Fondue Fund is a giving circle of twenty- and thirtysomethings in the Triad area of North Carolina who are committed to social change. Founded after two friends attended a statewide meeting of women in philanthropy and realized there was a staggering lack of young adult engagement, the Fondue Fund was created to engage younger women in donating, volunteering and the grantmaking process. Within its first year, the Fondue Fund raised about $15,000 and recently awarded grants totaling $10,000 to organizations such as a local women’s resource center.

    May-07