Spotlight: Publishing a CFSA Study on How to Engage Young Professionals In Philanthropy

By Maddy Bynes-DeVaney, MPP

In 2025, Bynes Consulting Group partners with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) to conduct a study entitled "Southern Arizona Young Professionals in Philanthropy." This study was conducted over a six month timeframe from Spring to Fall 2025, and the final report was published in Spring 2026.

Executive Summary

This report presents preliminary findings from the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona's (CFSA) Young Professionals in Philanthropy study, conducted by Bynes Consulting Group. The data, gathered through literature review, interviews with key constituents, focus groups, and a comprehensive survey on the topic, indicate that younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials, and younger Gen X) are highly motivated to engage with nonprofit organizations. However, their preferences for how they contribute often differ from those of other older cohorts.

Key Findings:

• Prioritize Impact and Systems Change Work: Young professionals are primarily driven by a desire to make a meaningful, measurable impact through their engagement. Gen Z, in particular, favors involvement with organizations focused on advocacy and systemic change rather than those focused solely on direct services.

• Volunteering and Skills Over Dollars: Younger generations increasingly view volunteering, professional skill-sharing, and mutual aid as having equal or greater impact than financial contributions. For those who do give financially, they prefer smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments and want clear communication about the impact of their donation.

• Barrier and Board Service: While over half of all survey respondents have served on a board of directors, significant barriers to board service include a lack f direct invitation, uncertainty about qualifications, and concerns about board culture, which is sometimes perceived as unwelcoming or ageist towards young adults. Existing board members noted that service offers strategic growth and professional networking opportunities.

• Generational Nuances: Millennials are often motivated by social recognition (e.g., attending events, receiving swag), while Gen Z is highly motivated by gaining experience and strengthening their resume. Gen X is primarily focused on balancing family, career stability, and budgeting, favoring giving mechanisms in monthly installments.

Through these findings, we hope to identify productive, innovative, and engaging ways to invigorate young philanthropists to serve on boards and give to charitable causes.

To read more about our findings, view the whole report here.