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Learnings and Reflections With...
Andine Sutarjadi
Director of Next Gen Initiatives, 21/64

After 18 years in the field providing multigenerational advising, facilitation and training for next generation engagement within philanthropy and family enterprises, 21/64 continues to keep an ear to the ground and expanding our knowledge about next gen donors by gaining insight into who they are and how they want to engage in their philanthropy.

As a next gen myself, I have the privilege of contributing both a funder and a professional’s perspective to this work.  At the same time, I’m finding my voice and learning that I experience the most joy and fulfillment when I intentionally bring my whole self to my role. So, at the start of this year, I thought I would use this platform to share some of what I’m discovering on a regular basis as I am speaking with my peers who are early in their philanthropic journeys both personally and professionally.
Want to connect with me further? Reach me at Andine@2164.net or 212-931-0121.
Build Relationships Early
This may seem like I’m stating the obvious, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of building relationships early and directly with next gens, not just with parents and grandparents.

You may feel like it is wise to wait until we have fully matured into our giving, but I find that it is crucial to start the relationship at a time when we are in the formative stages of figuring out our philanthropic identity.

Since next gens seldom have formal advisors of our own at this stage in life, your relationship will be influential in shaping the way we engage with the issues that are important to us and how we communicate them to our co-decision makers. As an example, here’s a quote from a next gen donor in our network speaking about an organization that he became involved with at an early stage in his philanthropic development.

"They reached out to me way before my family decided to be involved in philanthropy. That is the reason why we ultimately chose to work with them."

Be Patient (and Consistent!)
When you are planning your outreach and brainstorming strategies for next gens, always anticipate the time it takes to build relationships. We frequently receive invitations to events and requests to connect from various organizations that we are in contact or involved with. From the professional’s standpoint, I get that it can feel frustrating when the person you are trying to reach is unresponsive. However, having been on the receiving end, please know that we are seeing these messages.

Since we are receiving a large volume and variety of invites and requests daily, sometimes it can take six to twelve months before we engage. Additionally, I find that it is critical for us to take the time prior to responding to
make certain that we are contributing our Time, Talent, Treasure or Ties to something that is values and purpose aligned.

Even throughout the periods when you don’t receive a response, it is important to keep your communications consistent to show that you are actively trying to engage your audience. This will allow you to build trust with people you are trying to reach. As an example, here’s a quote from a next gen donor in our network speaking about how long it took her to participate in 21/64’s next gen programs and why.

"I was really busy at the time and was not the best at responding to your emails. I appreciated the communications via the listservs and our meetings. I’m glad I decided to attend even if it took me a few months to get back to you!"

Putting it to Action
Now that I’ve shared some of my learnings with you, here are some actionable take-aways you can explore implementing to engage the next generation of donors in your community.

Be clear on your intention and specific with your ‘ask(s)’.
  • Lay out the Purpose, Objectives and desired Outcomes that you wish to achieve from your outreach. Being clear with your intentions and expectations will lead to more authentic interactions. We highly value transparency and are eager to build genuine relationships with those who share our passion and purpose.
  • At 21/64, we adopt the Action Research Method in all aspects of our work to shift from a transactional approach to a relational one. Want to learn about our process? Check out 21/64’s Multigenerational Approach Training here!

Have a limited budget for events or gatherings? Position your role as a convener by hosting small and "light-lift" interactions to gauge interest and facilitate timely conversations.
  • Intimate and short but frequent peer group interactions allow individuals with similar interests and backgrounds to connect with one another informally about their opportunities and challenges on specific topics or life experiences.
  • At 21/64, we host small gatherings for next gen donors in our network to facilitate conversations on topics such as navigating dynamics in your family office and women in philanthropy. If you’re a next gen donor and would like to attend a network gathering this year, email me!

Ask questions to foster dialogue rather than assume you have all the answers.
  • By asking key questions about the donors we are becoming and showing that you are best-suited to guide our self-exploration, you will help strengthen your relationships with next gen donors and learn where and how we need further support.
  • At 21/64, I like using these tools as ice breakers at gatherings no matter how big or small the group. Click here to purchase the tools or ask me about our upcoming webinar on the subject!

Ultimately, it takes time and thoughtfulness to build relationships, find the space to listen, meet people where they are and facilitate meaningful dialogue to build a donor-driven network of individuals who are not only serious about the impact that they are trying to achieve in the world, but who are also invested in your work and approach.  

My reflections and take-aways are part of 21/64’s work in engaging next gen donors of diverse backgrounds who are all in their beginning stages of their philanthropy.  If you are a next gen donor and want to chat with me over coffee about your experience, opportunities and challenges around navigating your giving, don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Here's to an authentic and engaging 2020!

More Resources for you to Explore
 
 
Convening: Gen Impact Accelerator

Clarify your philanthropic identity and adopt a strategic lens to your giving at the Gen Impact Accelerator.
Learn more >

 
21/64 Post: Raising Kids with Kindness

Read Senior Director, Robyn Schein’s tips and reflections on how to raise kids with kindness.
Learn more >

 
Podcast: What Donors Want

Listen to IG Advisor's What Donors Want, with Generation Impact authors, Sharna Goldseker & Michael Moody
Learn more >

 
 
QUESTIONS? Contact andine@2164.net
 
 
 
21/64
445 Park Ave, Ste 16A
New York, NY 10022
United States




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