In spite of the diamagnetic behavior exhibited by bulk ZnO and Au, a ferromagnetic-like behavior is induced in nanoparticles of both systems by appropriate surface functionalization. By capping with thiol derivatized molecules, magnetic hysteresis is observed even at room temperature, whereas the magnetization has a very little temperature dependence. Capping induces an alteration of their electronic configuration that depends on the capping molecule, as evidenced by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, that strongly affects their magnetic properties.