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The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 10:03:17 GMT

A Passion for Change and Social Impact

For many Gen Zers, working in the nonprofit sector aligns perfectly with their values of community, equity, and service. As the youngest generation in the workforce, they bring an enthusiasm for change and a desire to address systemic challenges.

Avery Sontheimer, 17, co-founded Avery’s Pawsitive Change Pet Food Pantry to provide food, supplies, and services to animal rescues across the country. Her journey began after realizing the need to support rescues that struggled to provide for the animals in their care. Avery’s mission focuses on giving back and making a tangible difference, which is a common thread in the values of her peers. “Gen Z is action-oriented,” she says. “We’re not just talking about issues, we’re tackling them head-on and making real change.”

Similarly, Shateria Franklin, Founder & Executive Director of Destiny of Our Daughters Inc., emphasized the importance of empowerment and community. Since 2017, Shateria’s nonprofit has provided mentorship, resources, and leadership development for minority girls, focusing on breaking the cycles of systemic disadvantage. “It’s about ensuring that girls—especially those in underserved communities—have the tools to succeed and realize their potential,” she explains. For her, Gen Z’s activism and focus on gender equity and racial justice inspire the work done at Destiny of Our Daughters.

Amplifying Gen Z’s Voice and Influence

One of the unique aspects of Gen Z’s involvement in nonprofits is their desire for direct influence. They’re not content to simply follow—they want to help shape the work their organizations do. This approach is seen in programs where Gen Z members can take on leadership roles and bring their ideas into fruition.

Shateria Franklin took this a step further by creating the Youth Ambassador Council, a group that provides direct input on the programming at Destiny of Our Daughters Inc.. “It’s important that we listen to the youth we serve,” Shateria says. “Their voices should be reflected in the decisions we make about the programs we offer.” By integrating youth into leadership decision-making, this initiative fosters empowerment and ensures the organization’s direction stays aligned with the needs of the community.

Similarly, Avery’s nonprofit has found creative ways to engage young people by introducing the Kids Club, a project where children collect spare change in Avery’s Pawsitive Change banks to support the cause. “It’s about getting the younger generation involved and showing them that they can be part of something bigger,” says Avery.

Overcoming Challenges: Navigating Perceptions and Opportunities

While Gen Z is eager to make an impact, they often face challenges based on preconceived notions about their generation. Labels such as “lazy” or “unprofessional” can create barriers for young professionals who are just starting their careers, particularly in the nonprofit sector.

Katelyn Kruszewski, the Marketing and Development Coordinator at Erie Cancer Wellness Center, shared her experience as a young professional facing these stereotypes. “Sometimes, my age works against me,” Katelyn explains. “People underestimate my experience because of the way Gen Z is often perceived.” However, Katelyn uses this as motivation, demonstrating through her actions that young professionals can lead with passion and make a significant impact.

Avery also touches on this point, explaining how people sometimes question her ability to lead due to her age. “But I show them through my work that I’m serious about making a difference. Age is just a number when it comes to passion,” she says.

Advice for Gen Z in Nonprofits: Stay Flexible and Keep Learning

For young people looking to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, the advice from these leaders is clear: stay open to learning, take initiative, and find ways to stay flexible. Gen Z thrives in environments that allow them to grow and be creative. Whether it’s taking on a new project or attending workshops to build skills, staying curious is key to success in this field.

“Be willing to take on new opportunities and remain adaptable,” says Katelyn. “The more you learn, the more you grow, and the more you can contribute to your organization’s success.”

Shateria offers similar guidance, urging young professionals to embrace challenges and remain committed to their passions. “This sector requires resilience and creativity. If you have the passion, you’ll find a way to make it work.”

The Future of Nonprofits: A National Impact

Looking forward, these Gen Z leaders are excited about the future and the potential to take their organizations to new heights. Shateria has plans to expand Destiny of Our Daughters Inc. beyond Erie, with hopes of making a national impact. “We want to create a safe space where minority girls can explore STEM opportunities, receive mentorship, and grow into leaders,” she says. Her vision includes building a central facility that will house all of their programs and provide a safe haven for girls to thrive.

Avery shares a similar drive for growth. “The goal is to continue reaching rescues and animals in need across the country,” she says. “But we’re also looking into expanding our impact internationally.”

Gen Z: Leading with Purpose

Gen Z’s impact on the nonprofit sector is undeniable. Through their drive, innovation, and commitment to social justice, they are redefining how organizations engage with communities and solve problems. As more young professionals enter the field, their fresh perspectives and passion for change will continue to shape the nonprofit world for years to come.

For those considering a career in nonprofits, the message is clear: this is a generation that leads with purpose, and there’s never been a better time to make a difference.

Looking to begin your professional career? Check out the NPP Job Board for current opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

Generation Z is stepping up and making waves across various industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. As the world around them changes rapidly, young leaders are pushing for fresh perspectives,

advocating for meaningful change, and putting their passion for social justice into action. I spoke with several Gen Z professionals in the nonprofit world to gain insight into how they’re influencing their organizations and the challenges they face. Here are their stories.

The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers

Mon, 12 May 2025 09:26:36 GMT

It’s the Mission, Remember?

At the heart of a truly valuable assessment process is a deceptively simple question: Are we fully invested in our mission?

Sounds obvious, right? But we know that nonprofits can easily veer off track. A shiny new grant opportunity appears—close to our mission but not quite there. Programs expand because they’re exciting, not because they’re effective. Legacy projects keep going long after their expiration date.

And suddenly, you’re scattered, overstretched, and a little lost.

A meaningful assessment helps cut through the noise. It brings organizations back to center—back to mission. And when done well, with honesty and
intention , it does more than produce numbers. It sparks reflection, encourages tough conversations, and realigns everyone around what really matters.

Wasting Resources? Not on My Watch

Let’s talk stewardship. Your staff, your dollars, your time—they’re precious. An organizational culture invested in assessment makes sure you're getting the most out of what you’ve got.

When you assess across key areas like leadership, fundraising, communications, governance, and programs, you spot what’s working and what’s not. Then you do something about it. That’s how you move from status quo to strategic growth. That’s how you build sustainability. That’s how you lead with confidence.

The Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool is now available at AssessMyNonprofit.org .

Let’s be honest—organizational assessments often get a bad rap—and for good reason! They’re seen as dry, academic, and a little too "check-the-box"

for real-world nonprofit hustle. Maybe an expensive consultant is hired who consumes a lot of time and energy engaging us in an assessment that is built

for organizations that really don’t seem relevant to us. A report gets generated, maybe even printed and bound, and then… onto the shelf it goes. Maybe it’s resurrected or redone when the next funder asks for one or a board member starts asking questions. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:32:44 GMT

Work Smarter, Not Harder

I think we can all agree that we work hard. But do we always work smart?

Creating an AFP is easy. It’s a great way to manage and motivate your staff, volunteers, board members and supervisor. An AFP develops outcomes that can be used for organizational assessment and future planning. An effective AFP sets expectations and helps staff members reach their individual goals while clearly defining their roles and responsibilities. It is the road map for staff and key stakeholders to move their institutions forward.

First, ask yourself this question: “How would you describe your institution’s current annual fundraising plan?” Here are a few common answers and some thinking to guide where to go from there.

Plan? What plan?

Let’s be honest: Most fundraisers, especially in smaller fundraising shops, do not have a comprehensive AFP. You may have a plan for specific campaigns or programs, or staff members may individually plan what they are working on, but there most likely isn’t an AFP for the entire unit or team. If you’re in this situation, that’s okay. Begin a conversation today with your fellow staff members on the benefits of creating a comprehensive AFP that includes all stakeholders’ participation. (My book, Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple: A Road Map for Community Colleges and Small Development Shops 2nd Edition , can also help you get started.)

We have a plan, but it isn’t working well or meeting all our goals.

You may have an AFP (usually limited in scope), but all or most members of the team have difficulty sticking to it. If that’s your situation, don’t be discouraged! You are already heading in the right direction. Your AFP may need some updating. One explanation: Those responsible for implementing the AFP may view it as an unnecessary inconvenience in a busy workday. There are many ways to overcome this hurdle.

A first step is to review the targeted outcomes with your team to ensure that these outcomes are based on metrics and not-pie-in-the sky projections. Others may have an AFP that they adhere to, but it may not be working well or meeting their goals. If that’s you, don’t be disheartened. Take a step back for a moment and re-evaluate. Clear your head. Try to look at it from the viewpoint of a third party, such as a consultant. Remember, you are the one who is closest to all the action. You have the expertise. You just need a little separation. When you look at your AFP again, you may be able to do so a little more objectively. Your AFP is probably not working due to one or both of these factors:

The plan is not clear and concise.
The tactics in the plan are not being implemented effectively to attain the desired outcomes.

We have a plan, but it’s not realistic.

Still others may have an AFP, but it isn’t realistic. A common pitfall when creating an AFP is to over-promise and under-deliver. When this happens, people quickly determine that the AFP isn’t useful, which often has a negative impact on morale. The AFP may be placed on a shelf, never to be looked at again. Don’t fall into this trap. For an AFP to be effective, it must be realistic.

We have one, but it needs improvement.

Finally, you may have a pretty good AFP, but you know that there is always room for improvement. For the individuals in this group, I commend you for your effort and interest in continuing your quest for improvement. I encourage you to celebrate achieving your milestones.

Be Mission-Centric

I’ll be direct. You will never maximize your philanthropic opportunities if you can’t answer the following five questions with a “Hell Yeah! Yes!”

Do I know my organization’s mission statement?
Do all staff know our organization’s mission statement?
Do we all reflect our mission statement in everything we say and do?
Can we enthusiastically share our mission statement with all constituencies?
Do our board members know our mission, and do they feel empowered to share it?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all five questions above, I congratulate you. Keep it front and center moving forward. If you couldn’t answer ‘yes’ to all five questions, that’s okay - you have a starting point to move forward. For all, I recommend you implement the following strategy:

Put your mission statement on every piece of literature that goes to any of your key stakeholders. Once your mission statement is prevalent in all print materials and on your website, it becomes easier and more natural for all staff members to express. Sharing your mission statement will become natural, sincere and powerful.

Your AFP is needed today, more than ever. Because as Yogi also once said,

Jeff Bagel will join us on May 14, 2025 to share his insights on Annual Fundraising Plans during an in-person workshop! Whether you have a plan, or yours needs some work, this session will help you identify strategies to hit your plan out of the park!

Yogi Berra once said,

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”

Don’t let that happen to you.

Live your workday every day by working smarter and living your mission.

A realistic annual fundraising plan (AFP) can help you do just that: Work smarter and be mission-centric

From Roots to Bridges: The Meaning Behind Our Brand Refresh

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:30:42 GMT

Have you noticed something different about us? Maybe you have, maybe you haven’t—but we’ve changed our look! We’re thrilled to unveil our brand new logo .

While the logo itself is fresh, the journey to this redesign has been a thoughtful process, years in the making. The Nonprofit Partnership (NPP) was founded in 2001 as a program of The Erie Community Foundation (ECF) .

Over time, we grew beyond those initial roots, eventually becoming an independent nonprofit in 2006. Alongside this growth, our role in the community evolved too—from providing basic resources to becoming a dynamic hub for nonprofit capacity building, education, and advocacy. It’s been a rewarding, transformative ride.

Why Redesign Now?

Our original logo was directly inspired by the Erie Community Foundation's branding. Like many young organizations, we leaned on what was readily available—efficient, but not quite reflective of our unique identity. Although our partnership with ECF remains strong, we’ve developed our own distinct purpose, culture, and community impact.

When ECF decided to rebrand last year , we recognized this as the perfect moment to refresh our visual identity as well. Enter Chris Schroeder of Gem City Creative , who guided us through the intricate process of redesigning a logo that truly reflects who we are. If you’ve ever undergone a logo redesign, you know it’s not just about colors and shapes—it’s about expressing your mission and values visually. Through collaborative discussions, Chris distilled our essence into some key descriptors: supportive, friendly, and uplifting. These words capture our commitment to the nonprofit sector and inspired the design you see today.

More Than Just a Logo

A logo is more than a symbol—it’s a reflection of purpose. Our goal at The Nonprofit Partnership remains unchanged: to support, celebrate, and uplift all nonprofits. Whether you’re a startup organization or a seasoned nonprofit professional, we strive to be your approachable, friendly resource. No question is too small, and no challenge is insignificant. We’re here to empower you with knowledge, tools, and community connections to help you succeed.

We also believe in recognizing the incredible work done by nonprofits. The sector often goes uncelebrated, and part of our mission is to uplift these efforts, offering the recognition that nonprofits so richly deserve.

Looking Forward

Our new logo embodies the vision of our organization. The logo features a bridge-inspired design element, symbolizing our commitment to building bridges, fostering connections, and strengthening the bonds within the nonprofit sector.

The logo redesign doesn’t change who we are, but it does help express who we’ve become. We’re excited to move forward with a visual identity that matches our passion and dedication to the nonprofit community.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We invite you to explore our new look and join us in continuing to build a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector.