Why Kelsea Donates

Philanthropy is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with the next generation of donors reimagining impact through hands-on volunteering and technology. Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping what giving looks like, prioritizing transparency, community presence, and systemic change instead.

What Impact Means to Gen Z Donors Like Kelsea

For emerging donors like Kelsea Batchelder, born in 1997 on the millennial-Gen Z cusp, impact centers on being fully present for communities in need. Growing up with dial-up internet evolving into social media, her generation bridges old and new worlds, fostering a nuanced approach to giving.

Philanthropy, to Kelsea, extends far beyond monetary contributions, it encompasses kindness through time, resources, and networking to uplift others.

Kelsea's early experiences have shaped the way she views philosophy. As a Girl Scout for 11 years starting in kindergarten, she participated in Beautify Londonderry, replanting community spaces and helping to improve her town towns.

In middle school, she crafted paper bead bracelets to fundriase for the World Wildlife Fund. Experiences like these are what drove her to champion causes she cares about as an adult.

Technology's Role in Modern Philanthropy

Social media and technology provide instant access to information and have revolutionized giving by empowering donors like Kelsea to respond immediately.

Yet, the influx of GoFundMe, Round Your Dollar Up, and Peer-to-Peer Fundraising campaigns and can overwhelm, making structured giving options like Granite United Way essential for transparency.

Kelsea knows that when she gives to Granite United Way, her dollars are being used to address her local communities more pressing issues. She appreciates how easy it is to give a portion of her paycheck through weekly payroll deduction as part of her employer's Granite United Way workplace campaign. 

Hands-On Giving in a Challenging Economy

Younger generations, facing high living costs, have redefined philanthropy by prioritizing donating their time over dollars.

Kelsea and her peers volunteer in a number of ways: sorting food at pantries, weeding gardens, and even sharing resources with their social media network. Time equates to money in this new model of philanthropy and still delivers immense value to the nonprofits they support.

Granite United Way's Day of Caring is an exellent example of how impactful donating your time can be. This  annual volunteer event connects thousands of volunteers across the state with hundreds of local nonprofits and project-based needs like painting, gardening, and cleanups, creating positive community impact.

The Future of Collaboration and Community Unity

Looking 50 years ahead, Kelsea envisions philanthropy as highly collaborative, with organizations pooling specialties to tackle big challenges. Younger donor's demand for proven results that alignn with their values is pushing nonprofits to become more transparent in their efforts.