Report: Millennials are reshaping the future of giving by demanding connection and proof

Fundraising platform Bloomerang’s 2026 Giving Signals Report offers a flashing red light for nonprofits: old ways of philanthropic giving won’t work on younger generations, and that could be a huge problem for fundraising. Based on a survey of more than 1,000 donors and 400 fundraising professionals, the report notes how donor expectations are changing across generations. Its clearest finding is the rise of millennial giving: 75% expect to give more in 2026, compared with 49% of Gen X and 36% of baby boomers. The report also identifies two broad fundraising imperatives: donors want to feel connected to a cause and want specific evidence of where their money goes. For nonprofits, the message is clear: to secure funding they need to build meaningful belonging, communicate impact, and reduce transaction friction.