Bay Area Millennial Giving: Current Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities

This report investigates the giving decisions of high-capacity millennial donors in the Bay Area, an inequality hub. Based on 25 interviews, it explores their preferred causes, giving vehicles, sources of advice, and pain points. The study reveals that these millennials often prioritize political, local, and "existential" causes over traditional ones like religion or education. They also favor Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) for their tax benefits and convenience, departing from historical giving methods. The findings aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of millennial philanthropy by understanding their unique preferences and behaviors, leveraging their significant resources for pressing social issues.