But nonprofits, according to Michael Seltzer from PhilanTopic, are “survivors“. Nonprofits have traditionally faced much more capital constraints and their for-profit counterparts, and therefore can better adopt themselves to budget cuts. There is also the silverlining. A difficult environment brings forth creative approaches, such as new ways to fundraise, new incentive to improve capital efficiency, new opportunities to recruit senior leaders, etc.

Dawn Jordan, a former operations vice president at Bank of America, is embarking on a journey to found her own non-profit after being laid off in 2008. According to her there has never been a better time: people are more willing to volunteer , especially professionals who have been temporarily laid off; the recent financial crisis has also left ppeople more aware of social responsibly and sustainable business practices.

Historically, tough economic environment has drive innovation, as demonstrated by creative fundraising solutions during the economic downturn of the 1980s and White House’s new Social Innovation Fund.

It may be a tough time, however with sevearl succesful fundraising events, two schools and expanding partnerships, PoP is having the best time ever. We are optimistic about future – a donation to PoP is an investment in a better future.

Nicknamed the ‘Go Giver’, this ambitious group has a stronger commitment to philanthropy than older generations and feels more responsibility to support charities and causes. More than their older counterparts, they believe that giving will become more incumbent on the wealthy because governments are overburdened with debt. They are also increasingly interested in supporting global causes – 59 per cent of 18-34 year olds stated more interest in global charitable causes, compared to 24 per cent of 35-44 year olds and a fifth of 44-45 year olds.

“Philanthropy is being used as a tool in family dynamics, it’s a way in which one can connect to one’s children over something that isn’t about who’s going to get the spoils. It’s something where you can try and inculcate your values into the younger generation.”  Said Doug Balfour, CEO of philanthropic advisers Geneva Global.

Whether it’s due to family education, social networks, or as Melissa Richer of Ayllu has suggested, simply survival, this young, ambitious and global minded generation – which we proudly consider ourselves part of – will certainly change the philanthropy landscape, and consequentially the world. Building 30+ schools across the world and giving 3,000 children education all before we turn 30?  Join us and make it happen.

However, the number of people capable of making a substantial gift is growing in many part s of the world, said Deborah Miller, an assistant vice president at Wake Forest University.

According to the World Wealth Report 2009, by 2013 the number of millionaires in Asia and the total value of their wealth will exceed that of millionaires in the United States. They would be next generations of donors, who will also diversity the donor portfolio of organizations, said Deborah.

Not only are individuals abroad able to make significant donations, there are many organizations that are consciously pooling their resources to bring global social change. Grantmakers Without Boarders is an example of such organizations, connecting a network of trustees, public and private foundations to provide funding for international causes, as well as to improve the practice of international grantmaking.

Pollution, poverty, water access, diseases and countless other pressing issues know no boarder or nationality. If the world is already flat, if people are already connected to each other, it is only plausible to look beyond home, beyond our own neighborhoods, to channel our resources to the places what will effectively utilize them and reap the most benefit.