Young people demand a new pact with NGOs: Esade warns of the need for professionalization and real participation

A recent study by Esade's Institute for Social Innovation in collaboration with the PwC Foundation has provided figures and arguments about a reality that many social organizations have sensed for years: young people want to change the world, but they do not find the space to do so in current NGOs .

The report , Youth and NGOs: the challenges of collaboration , analyzes the relationship between youth and the social sector, and reveals a significant gap between the declared interest in social causes and the actual involvement in organizations.

Three out of four young people say they want to participate in solidarity initiatives, but only 41% actively collaborate with an NGO through donations, volunteering or impact projects.

The reason? Lack of trust, insufficient information, and organizational structures that still haven't adapted to their way of participating.

The challenge of gaining the trust of young people

Trust emerges as a key element. On average, young people give NGOs a score of 5.4 out of 10. However, when there is direct contact—through volunteering or participation in activities—the rating rises to 6.6. The message is clear: organizations that open their doors to young people gain legitimacy and social connection .

Furthermore, the demand for transparency is overwhelming. 78% of young people demand that NGOs clearly explain how funds are used, and more than half demand measurable results. Transparency, professionalism, and metrics: a language the sector can no longer ignore.

New expectations for a new context

The study also reveals that young people are experiencing very different concerns than previous generations. Mental health, access to housing, and job insecurity are currently their three main worries. And they expect NGOs, even if they don't work directly in these areas, to understand their life circumstances and adapt their communication and participation initiatives accordingly.

Furthermore, young people seek consistency: over 55% believe their job or studies should align with their values. This presents an opportunity for NGOs that can integrate young talent into their teams with solid, well-managed professional projects that offer real opportunities for growth.

The lack of young people in governance

The report reveals a worrying reality: although 95% of NGOs work on youth-related issues, only 46% make it a priority. Even more striking: 73% acknowledge a low representation of young people on their management teams , and 76% on their governing bodies.

In other words: young people are the intended recipients, beneficiaries, volunteers… but almost never co-governors . Without their voice, organizations will find it difficult to adapt to the new forms of mobilization, communication, and participation that are shaping the social agenda today.

Professionalize or lose relevance

The study underscores something the sector has been debating for some time: NGOs need a leap forward in professionalization . This includes adopting better evaluation systems, digitizing processes, improving talent management, opening new avenues for participation, and working with impactful methodologies.

But it also—and perhaps above all—means rethinking how to attract and retain new generations . For Esade, the key is to stop seeing young people only as “occasional volunteers” and start integrating them as an essential part of the design of strategies, campaigns, and projects.

Flexible volunteering, co-creation spaces, youth leadership roles, and communication that speaks their language are essential pillars for NGOs to remain relevant in the next decade.

A structural and cultural change

The report concludes with an invitation—and a warning—to the third sector: if social organizations want to remain agents of transformation, they must embrace professionalization and genuine youth participation . This isn't just about recruiting volunteers, but about integrating young talent into decision-making , recognizing their digital skills, and listening to their concerns.

Younger citizens are willing to get involved, but they demand rigor, consistency, and transparency. NGOs that understand this moment will not only attract more young people but will also renew their legitimacy and strengthen their social impact.

The future of the third sector largely depends on them.