Lisa and I meet regularly with many nonprofits who tell us that increasing the number of 20-something donors — the next generation of philanthropists — is a major priority.

But how to reach them? A report by Radar Research and PopSugar Media that delves into the influence and consumer habits of Gen Y women sheds some light.

Many of the findings reinforce other research we’ve seen on why women are the #1 target audience, whether you’re selling a product or promoting a cause. Once Gen Y women believe in a brand, for example, 61% report they “share it with as many friends as possible.”

Gen Y women are also big on authenticity. They’re less likely be persuade by celebrities and “experts” and more inclined to trust friends, families, bloggers and others within their networked community (this may include tweeters they’ve never met) to be more unbiased and honest. In the words of one survey subject, “I like to see what everyday people like.”

Little wonder then, that:

• 2 in 5 Gen Y women rely on online user reviews to learn more about a brand.
• Gen Y women are twice as likely to use online social networks to share their recommendations than Gen X women.
• Twice as many Gen Y women say they discovered a new brand from a friend’s status update, compared to Gen X women.
• Gen Y women are twice as likely to rely on blogs to help them decide what to buy.

Establishing a dynamic presence on Facebook and connecting with influential bloggers are certainly ways for cause-driven organizations to walk the millennial walk. But even your web site can also be a place to showcase the voices and faces of funders who can provide real ‘yelp’-style testimonials about the work you do. (If you’re wondering if a yelp for nonprofit actually exists, it does: Greatnonprofits).

Is there an outreach tactic or campaign you’ve done that has successfully connected with Gen Y women? We’ve love to know about it.