How immigration and the changing fundraising landscape will affect you

Giving USA has released a research spotlight that reflects on how profound demographic shifts are going to alter the fundraising landscape in the coming decades.  According to the report, it is estimated that 82 percent of the total US population increase from 2005 to 2050 will result from 67 million new immigrants and their 50 million U.S.-born children and grandchildren. 

The report recommends several important approaches to fundraising in our increasingly diverse nation:

1. Provide access to volunteering opportunities. Volunteering is a primary way in which immigrants become engaged in philanthropy. Make sure that your organization provides volunteer opportunities that are welcoming to immigrants, and reach out to immigrants so they know that these opportunities exist and feel welcome to participate.

2. Identify philanthropic projects that appeal to immigrants’ interests. Work with your immigrant supporters to create win-win opportunities that help them achieve their philanthropic vision through your organization’s programs.

3. Use social networks to build trust and engagement.  Use the importance of relationships and extended family and social groups to create a critical mass among your immigrant supporters.

4. Invite immigrants into your organization’s leadership. Show how your organization values immigrant constituencies by including them in decision-making groups, such as board committees, task forces, and staff.

5. Ask them to share their philanthropic traditions.  Engage in conversations about philanthropy, giving, and volunteering so that native-born and immigrant supporters can both benefit from a richer understanding
of each other’s heritage of philanthropy.

6. Invite them to give. Let immigrants know they are valued members of your organization by inviting them to give just as you would any other supporter.

The art of fundraising will always be about relationships.  That won’t change.  But more than ever, we have to understand those with whom we will share those relationships - because that will change!

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