Many Baby Boomers Want to Create Social Ventures, Study Finds

More than 12 million Americans from 44 to 70 years old would like to start nonprofits or businesses that solve social problems, according to a new study by Civic Ventures, a think tank in San Francisco. The report, which was supported by the MetLife Foundation and compiled by Penn Schoen Berland, a marketing-research firm, also found that more than half of those 12 million Americans say it is very likely they will start such an organization within the next five to 10 years.

Fifty-eight percent of those who expressed an interest said the harsh economic climate made them “more likely to start their own business or nonprofit ventures.” Yet 52 percent said they had put off starting such projects because they do not feel financially secure.

Seventy-two percent expected any organizations they created to be small, employing no more than 10 people. Sixty-seven percent preferred to start nonprofits or businesses that focus on local, state, or regional concerns.

Among the most popular causes given were social services, economic development, and health care. The results were based on a survey of 400 people conducted in September.