2015 Fundraising effectiveness survey report

Since 2006, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Centre on Nonprofits and Philanthropy have collaborated to release the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP). Participating U.S. nonprofits submit their annual fundraising results, which generate insights on fundraising trends.

Highlights from the 2015 report include:

• Every $100 gained in 2014 was offset by $95 in losses through gift attrition. Meaning, 95 percent of gains in giving were offset by losses in giving for a net gain in gifts of 5 percent.
• Every 100 donors gained in 2014 was offset by 103 in lost donors through attrition. Meaning, 103 percent of the donors gained were offset by lapsed donors for a net loss in donors of -3 percent.
• The median donor retention rate in 2014 was 43 percent; no change from 2013’s rate. The gift or dollar retention rate increased from 46 percent in 2013 to 47 percent in 2014. Over the last nine years, donor and gift or dollar retention rates have remained week, averaging at less than 50 percent.
• Growth-in-giving performance varies significantly according to organization size, with larger organizations performing much better than smaller ones.