Fidelity Charitable® survey shows how three
generations of business owners are making an impact on philanthropy
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Millennial entrepreneurs show higher levels of charitable giving and
volunteerism than entrepreneurs of earlier generations, one of many
differences uncovered in a new Fidelity Charitable® survey
focusing on three generations of business owners. The data shows that
younger entrepreneurs have different approaches to business—and to
philanthropy—than those who came before.
The next generation of philanthropy
Millennial entrepreneurs are the most highly engaged and committed to
philanthropy compared with Boomers and Gen X. More than 80% of
Millennial business owners say that giving is a very important activity
in their lives versus 57% of Gen X and 48% of Boomers. Nearly half say
charitable giving is a critical piece of who they are.
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The median annual donation of Millennial business owners was $13,654
in 2017, more than twice the median donation of Gen X and Baby Boomer
entrepreneurs—$6,200 and $6,192, respectively. -
Millennial entrepreneurs are generous with both their money and time,
with 93% reporting that they spent time volunteering in 2017, compared
to 74% of Boomers. -
Millennial business owners are already planning their charitable
legacies. Nearly two thirds plan to leave money to charity after
they’re gone, versus 46% of Boomers. -
Millennials are also more likely to be serial entrepreneurs, with 61%
having founded more than one business; almost two thirds of Baby
Boomer entrepreneurs have founded only one business.
“The philanthropic landscape is changing, and our research shows that
Millennial entrepreneurs are shaping a new way for charitable giving.
Millennials want to feel a connection to causes they care about. While
these characteristics are not limited just to the entrepreneurs of the
Millennial generation, their practical impacts on philanthropy become
more pronounced through the lens of entrepreneurship,” said Pamela
Norley, president of Fidelity Charitable.
Entrepreneurs’ philanthropy across generational divides
A closer look at the generations shows a clear divide—traditional and
intentional Boomers, optimistic and active Millennials and Gen Xers who
bridge the gap, sharing qualities with the generations on either side.
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Gen X entrepreneurs are focused on their local communities, with 90%
valuing charities that benefit the area where they live, compared to
79% of Boomers. -
Similar to Boomers, Gen X entrepreneurs tend to focus their giving on
a narrow set of causes and prefer to support traditional,
well-established nonprofits. However, more closely aligned with
Millennials, Gen X likes to be hands-on, with 61% preferring to be
personally involved with the charities they support. -
Millennial entrepreneurs want to be involved, with 90% valuing
charities that offer meaningful volunteer opportunities. More than
half say that volunteering is a chance to learn new skills, compared
to a third of Gen X and only 20% of Boomers. -
Younger entrepreneurs see charitable giving as a way to build their
reputation, with 84% saying they value giving as an opportunity to
demonstrate leadership in the community. 74% value having their
contributions recognized publicly, compared to only 19% of Boomers. -
Two thirds of Baby Boomer entrepreneurs give to a limited number of
specific causes, displaying a more focused approach to their
philanthropic efforts compared to the 57% of Millennials who support a
wide variety of causes.
“We know that entrepreneurs are committed and effective philanthropists.
While different generations may approach philanthropy with varying
attitudes, behaviors and values, the unique giving behaviors of
entrepreneurs will continue to make an outsized impact on the causes
they support. Regardless of generation, entrepreneurs will continue to
be a driving force for philanthropy in the world,” concluded Norley.
For the complete report and additional insights, visit:
- Entrepreneurs as Philanthropists Generational Insights: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/articles/entrepreneurs-philanthropy-across-generational-divides.shtml
- Infographic: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/docs/entrepreneurs-giving-across-generations.pdf
- Additional research and content on entrepreneurs as philanthropists: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/insights/entrepreneurs-as-philanthropists.shtml
About Fidelity Charitable
Fidelity Charitable is an independent public charity that has helped
donors support more than 278,000 nonprofit organizations with nearly $35
billion in grants. Established in 1991, Fidelity Charitable launched the
first national donor-advised fund program. The mission of the
organization is to grow the American tradition of philanthropy by
providing programs that make charitable giving accessible, simple and
effective. For more information about Fidelity Charitable, visit https://www.fidelitycharitable.org.
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Contacts
Corporate Communications
(617) 563-5800
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Sophie Launay
(617) 563-9171
[email protected]
