If you walk into a nonprofit office during a fundraising drive, you might see two very different scenes. On one desk, there is a stack of paper envelopes, each containing a carefully written check and a stamped return card. On the other desk, a staff member is watching a digital screen as small notifications pop up every few minutes, five dollars here, twenty dollars there; all arriving via phone apps or their website.
At AZ Impact for Good, we know Arizona’s nonprofit sector relies on both these donors. They can lovingly be called the “Check Writer” and the “Venmo Donor.” While they use different tools, they share the same goal: making our state a better place. To keep our organizations strong, we must learn how to speak to both without making either feel left out.
Understanding the Shift
The “Check Writer” often belongs to the baby boomer or silent generation. For these donors, giving is a formal, planned act. They appreciate a physical letter they can hold and a clear record of their gift. They often provide larger, one-time donations that sustain long-term projects.
By contrast, the “Venmo Donor,” typically a millennial or gen Z, prefers speed and ease. They are digital natives who manage their entire lives on a smartphone. For them, a ten-dollar gift sent while waiting for coffee feels natural. They might not give a thousand dollars today, but they are often willing to give ten dollars every month. Over time, these small “subscription-style” gifts build a loyal donor base that can last for decades.
The Bridge Generation: Gen X
We cannot forget generation X. This group often acts as a bridge. They are comfortable writing a check for a gala, but they are also the first to scan a QR code at a community event. They value efficiency and clear data. When you reach out to gen X, use concise emails that show the direct impact of their gift.
How to Engage Everyone
To thrive, a nonprofit must offer a variety of ways to participate. Here are a few practical tips to bridge the gap:
1. Meet the tech standard. Younger donors will walk away if a process is too slow. Research shows that many people abandon a donation if the page does not work well on a phone. At AZGives.org, we made sure our platform is mobile-friendly. We accept PayPal, Venmo and Google Pay to make giving as easy as a single tap. If your own website’s donation page requires too many clicks, you might be losing the next generation of support.
2. Use donor-advised funds (DAFs). Many of our “Check Writer” donors and older gen X members now use Donor-Advised Funds to manage their philanthropy. These funds are a great way to give appreciated assets and simplify tax season. Keep in mind that AZGives.org allows you to record these gifts, too. You can initiate a grant recommendation from your DAF provider and use our platform to make sure your favorite local nonprofit gets the credit during our giving events. This allows you to combine high-level financial planning with the local excitement of Arizona Gives Day.
3. Offer “time” as currency. For millennials and gen Z, giving is not always about money. They want to be part of the mission. A new feature at AZGives.org now allows nonprofits to list “opportunities.” People can see upcoming events, find ways to help, and even pledge volunteer hours. This “sweat equity” often leads to financial giving later. When a person spends a Saturday morning at your food bank, they become much more likely to support your year-end drive.
4. Segment your message. Do not send the same letter to everyone. Use your data to group your donors by preference. Send the colorful, story-driven mailer to your legacy donors. Send the quick, “swipe to give” text or social media post to your younger list. By speaking their “language,” you show that you respect how they choose to interact with the world.
Cultivating Lifetime Loyalty
The goal of attracting a “Venmo Donor” is not just a quick win. It is about building a relationship. When you thank a younger donor quickly and show them the direct result of their five-dollar gift, you earn their trust. As their careers grow, so will their ability to give. By starting that bond now, you are securing the future of your organization.
Join the Movement: Arizona Gives Day 2026
You can see this mix of generations in action on April 7, 2026, for Arizona Gives Day. It is a 24-hour event where every type of donor comes together.
- For nonprofits: Now is the time to register at AZgives.org. Make sure to add your volunteer opportunities and events so people can find ways to help beyond writing a check.
- For businesses and philanthropists: Use this day to share the causes you care about. Encourage your younger staff to pledge hours or use their social networks to spread the word.
Arizona’s strength comes from our ability to unite. Whether you prefer the satisfying scratch of a pen on a check or the quick tap of a digital wallet, your gift matters.
