Millennial Philanthropy

Nearly 75 million people make up the Millennial generation in the United States, and yet, for many nonprofits, this generation remains an untapped resource. The most significant transfer of wealth known as the Great Transfer of Wealth is shifting from older generations to the Millennials and younger ones. This transfer has prompted nonprofits to navigate new realities caused by the pandemic and other social issues. Nonprofits should consider Millennials as a valuable source of people, power, and philanthropic support. Dr. Holly Hull Miori, an academic, researcher, and fundraising professional, has developed a comprehensive guide that explores the potential roles that Millennials can and should assume in nonprofits, including those of donors, board members, and volunteers. Her guide is designed to engage both academic and nonprofit/fundraising audiences, offering insights and actionable strategies for unlocking the potential of this emerging group. The book presents six distinct findings, providing innovative ideas that nonprofits and fundraisers can implement to engage the Millennial generation effectively. It features a combination of case studies and a roadmap to help readers gain practical insights into engaging this demographic group.

“Millennial Philanthropy is a must-read for any nonprofit leader seeking to cultivate a closer connection to the largest generation. Holly Miori wonderfully centers rousing personal stories to spotlight the motivations, societal impact, and quantifiable value-add of millennials. Each chapter highlights insightful theories, aligns to relevant frameworks, and best of all, results in a more informed and inspired reader.”

—Tycely Williams, CFRE 

“We all want to know how younger generations will shape philanthropy, and as both scholar and practitioner Holly Miori offers us a number of insights to begin answering this question. Through field work, interviews, and a great grasp of the larger field, Miori leads us to wrestle with real stories and a textured analysis beyond the latest national survey. Millennials and Gen Z are both the future and current face of philanthropy. Miori serves as a trustworthy guide along the way.”

—David P. King, PhD, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, USA 

“Unlock the complexity of millennial philanthropy by seeing past stereotypes to realize the opportunity for meaningful engagement. Holly Miori provides fresh insights that break down generalizations on the giving practices and preferences of millennials. This book provides accessible case studies, first-person examples, and practical approaches—making this resource a welcome addition to my library.”

—Ben Mohler, MA, CFRE, ACFRE

“This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding the nonprofit landscape and how to prepare for the future. Through insightful analysis and engaging case studies, the author sheds light on how this generation interacts with nonprofits in terms of fundraising and volunteerism. The inclusion of a chapter on Gen Z provides a valuable perspective on the future of nonprofit engagement. What sets this book apart is its practical approach—the final chapter offers actionable steps for engaging millennials beyond the usual tactics. The author brings twenty years of practical and academic experience and it is a must-read for anyone interested in philanthropy and nonprofit management.”

—Meghna Sabharwal, PhD, Professor, The University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Holly Hull Miori, PhD, CFRE has a nearly twenty-year career in fundraising and foundation work, where she has raised funds both locally and nationally in higher education, healthcare, social services, arts and human rights, and Holocaust education. She serves as a senior fundraiser in higher education where she loves connecting donors with their passions. Holly earned a bachelor’s degree in both religion and communication arts from Austin College in Sherman, TX and received her master’s in theological studies from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. She also holds a Master’s in public affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas and holds her PhD in public affairs in 2021 where she focused on millennial philanthropy. She also focuses her research on trends in philanthropy including faith-based fundraising, family foundations, and conscious capitalism. She has held her CFRE since 2013. Holly gives back by serving as a board member for Paper for Water and AFP chapters including Dallas and Fort Worth, and is president of AWARE Dallas, a fund at The Dallas Foundation, and a member of the grants review committee for Colleyville Woman’s Club. She supports AFP International by serving on the Government Relations Committee. Holly was awarded the PhD fellowship by Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)) in 2020  and a sought after academic instructor and speaker on fundraising trends. She is also a past fellow of the Lake Institute at Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  She is co-owner of CTD Initiative, LLC with her husband Michael.