Demographic Trends Show Worrisome Signs for Fundraising and Volunteerism

A report from the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute flashes some ominous signals for charities. Trends among young adults — ages 22 to 35 — suggest that some of the demographic groups charities rely on the most are changing in ways that are hurting fundraising and volunteerism. “There’s something wrong with the process that used to be the traditional on-ramp for doing good,” says senior researcher Nathan Dietz. Citing data from other research that shows small but troubling declines in giving rates, he added, “It’s not a disaster yet, but this is unsustainable.”

Note: Percentages reflect changes from 2008 to 2017 except for college graduates’ giving and volunteering, which reflect changes from 2008 to 2015.

Homeownership is falling. Why it matters: Homeowners are much more likely to give and volunteer than other groups. About 58 percent of young homeowners give to charity, and 31 percent volunteer. Those numbers generally have held steady since 2008. Fewer young people are getting married and having children.

Why it matters: As with homeownership, these lifestyle changes are strongly associated with higher rates of giving.

For example, 54 percent of young adults who live with a spouse give to charity compared with 36 percent of young adults living with an unmarried partner and 28 percent living with a parent. Fewer young college graduates volunteer or give to charity. Why it matters: Fundraisers rely heavily on this demographic group. For example, 58 percent of young college graduates give to charity, compared with 21 percent for young adults with no high-school diploma. Researchers aren’t sure why giving and volunteering rates are falling among young college graduates. One bit of good news: More Americans than ever have college degrees. Why it matters: This trend somewhat offsets the decline in the rate of giving among those graduates.

Dan Parks is the Chronicle’s senior editor for digital and data.