Social media + community impact = social impact: Why the next generation and philanthropy go together

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As an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor, you are no doubt very skilled at getting inside your clients' heads. Understanding your clients' goals and motivations is critical to creating financial, estate, and charitable giving plans.

But have you ever wondered what's going on inside the hearts and minds of the community-conscious, socially-connected next generation? These are the people who are your future clients, whether they are children and grandchildren of your current clients or new clients whom you've not yet met. That's the mindset you want to understand.   

To start thinking like the next generation, consider the magnitude of social consciousness. It's on the upswing! Hundreds of research studies and white papers collected by the Social Impact Benchmark show us numbers like these:  

  • 79% of consumers said they would likely switch brands based on associations with a good cause, when price and quality are equal

  • 85% of Americans say that they have a more positive image of a product or company when it supports a cause they care about

  • 85% of consumers say it is positive for companies to involve causes in their marketing

  • 84% of employees state that selecting their own cause is an important factor in determining their support of a company’s cause efforts, and 94% of millennials want to use their talents for doing good.

  • 79% of employees feel it is important that their employers provide matching gifts, 76% want paid time off to volunteer, and 74% of employees expect company-sponsored volunteer days

  • 56% of millennials say they would likely refuse to work for a company that is not socially responsible

  • MBA graduates would forgo $13,700 in salary to be part of a company that is socially responsible

Your Community Foundation knows philanthropy will grow if your clients feel better about their experiences with doing good. When we work together, all boats will rise in our social impact culture! Good things will happen, whether you are an executive who aspires to improve employee engagement and employer brand, a financial advisor building a business through philanthropy tools, an attorney building a practice focused on the next generation, or a nonprofit leader who is committed to raise funds to sustain a mission.

The team at the Community Foundation looks forward to working with you to serve the next generation of your clients and community philanthropists!