Because they have a higher educational level than previous generations, boomers tend to be savvy donors and active board members. They are comfortable with technology so fundraisers should feel comfortable communicating with them in new ways. Because they tend to live hectic lifestyles, many have had children later in life so they are making estate plans earlier. They are individualistic in ways that previous generations weren’t so they value being treated as such when being cultivated and solicited. Do your homework and know about the boomers. A personal and customized approach will probably be more successful.

As volunteers, boomers are looking for individualized experiences, as well. They want their interests and needs met while serving the organization. In addition, you must be sure you utilize their talents otherwise they will find another institution that will.

As a fundraiser or if you are in charge of membership, you should look for ways to involve their family as time is a premium for boomers. They are not only a busy generation but they are quite involved in their children’s lives and so prize those volunteer activities that either serve or involve their families and kids.

Because they are retiring late, choosing not to retire, or to have post-retirement jobs in a new field, boomers are an excellent volunteer pool with valuable skill sets for non-profits. Many now are going to have to keep working for financial reasons, but do not forget to continue to cultivate them for when the dust settles. Be in front of them and make sure your organization is still top of mind!

To attract new boomers you should be asking questions such as: Do we do adult programming? Should we look at the possibility of family programs? How do we use technology to meet the needs of a large segment of the population that is over 65?

As we know, boomers are not refusing to grow old they are simply refusing to give up their opinions, avocations and intellectual curiosity. They live to work and value being recognized for their accomplishments. They are today’s board members, donors and volunteers. When boomers are being trained as board members, volunteers and solicitors, they want the opportunity in their roles to learn something new and to be challenged by their assignments.

They like seniority, the corner office, money and the prestige a title brings. Many lead “high flying” life styles so their disposable income may not be truly reflective of their capacity and capability.

The first wave of boomers is hitting retirement age now, and so they are excellent candidates for planned and deferred giving opportunities -- especially if they are childless.

Christine Owens, a senior associate at BCC & Associates, has 30 years of broad-based experience in non-profit management and fundraising. She is a specialist in strategic planning, board training and development, capital campaigns, corporate relations and major gifts. She has held senior positions in campaigns raising millions of dollars for institutions and organizations such as, Georgetown University, Catholic University of America, Washington University’s Medical Center in St. Louis, Brooklyn Hospital, American Chemical Society, and the Potomac School. Christine is an adjunct professor at Columbia University, teaching in the graduate program of Non-Profit Management. COwens@BCC-associates.com