According to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, millennials have officially eclipsed baby boomers as the largest generational cohort in the United States. Aged 19-35, millennials now number 75.4 million with expected continued growth. Collectively, they’ll have unprecedented influence for decades to come.
Despite their size and growing power, millennials tend to be thinly represented (if at all) on nonprofit boards. Nonprofits draw heavily from older adults who’ve had successful careers and amassed some personal wealth. Their capacity to contribute combined with their network of well-placed and/or affluent donors help nonprofits secure funds to accomplish their mission. Yet fundraising is far from the only role that board members serve. And, of course, baby boomers and other older board members will eventually become as scarce as the funds nonprofits chase.
If millennials are not well-represented on your board of directors, it’s time to ramp up your recruiting efforts. Here are five ways this generational cohort can add value to your board.