Digital Natives, Real Impact: Engaging Gen Z Volunteers

How do you win the hearts—and hands—of Gen Z donors? According to Emily Tisdale, West Coast Manager for Team for Cures at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (TheMMRF.org), you stop seeing them as “the future” and start engaging them right now.

In this lively session, Julia C. Patrick explores Gen Z’s philanthropic behavior with Emily, who’s on the frontlines of volunteer and donor engagement across three major markets. Emily doesn’t mince words: “This generation is not transactional. They want to be part of the change.” That means showing up, speaking out, and yes—expecting organizations to be transparent and impact-driven.

Emily explains how COVID-era isolation shaped Gen Z’s digital-first instincts, but also fueled a hunger for purpose. Whether it’s advocacy via Instagram, fundraising through peer networks, or attending real-life charity walks, Gen Zers are ready to get involved—when the mission speaks to them. “They don’t want to just cut a check and sit back,” she adds. “They want action.”

Julia challenges common assumptions about younger donors being flaky or too young to matter. Emily pushes back with stories of college students becoming long-term supporters, and volunteers maturing into major funders. “We need to meet them where they are today,” she says. “Because where they’re going is powerful.”

The conversation covers everything from social media strategies to cross-generational mentorship. One standout idea? Pair Gen Z volunteers with seasoned ones to create a mutual growth loop. “Our high-impact volunteers can become our highest-impact donors,” Emily points out.

Whether you’re building out a peer-to-peer campaign or rethinking how you cultivate loyalty, this episode offers a smart, real-world roadmap for tapping into Gen Z’s energy and values.

00:00:00 Welcome and introduction to Emily Tisdale  
00:01:36 What MMRF does and why it matters  
00:03:55 Who is Gen Z? Understanding this generation  
00:05:52 Gen Z is already here—don’t wait to engage  
00:07:28 Advocacy and action: Gen Z’s passion points  
00:09:40 IRL vs. digital: How Gen Z shows up  
00:12:02 Gen Z in peer-to-peer fundraising events  
00:14:25 Strategies to keep Gen Z engaged  
00:17:02 Content planning that actually works  
00:19:01 Mentorship and cross-generational collaboration  
00:22:28 What the future looks like for Gen Z donors  
00:27:16 Real-life examples of Gen Z’s donor journey

#GenZPhilanthropy #DonorEngagement #TheNonprofitShow

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!

Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show