Nonprofit Fundraising Survey 2013

By Ecfa

"Among top findings, ECFA s inaugural fundraising survey of 250 leaders of its Christ-centered, accredited nonprofit organizations identified that "moving donors up the giving pyramid" is the main fundraising effort that needs to be fixed, and indicates for the first time the longstanding "80/20 rule" is tilting.

"Highlights of the survey may now be utilized to trigger thoughtful discussions among nonprofit leadership," said Dan Busby, president of ECFA. "By studying trends and what is working in fellow organizations, leaders can determine how to tackle these fundraising interests most effectively."

Ninety percent of nonprofit fundraising executives responding to the survey expressed that their greatest area needing improvement is moving donors up the "giving pyramid," inspiring a higher level of giving commitment as one s heart grows closer to God.

An aging donor base and inadequate board involvement also rose among Christ-centered fundraising concerns.

The longstanding "80/20 rule," that 80 percent of gifts are given by 20 percent of donors, was confirmed by only 23 percent of respondents. However, 30 percent of respondents report a new 75/25 ratio, and totals show that almost 27 percent of responding organizations are tracking above the "80/20 rule."

A slight disconnect was noted in data about relating impact measurement to donors. Almost 72 percent agreed or strongly agreed their donors are very interested in the impact measurements of their programs, products and services, yet only 61 percent responded they communicate these impact measurements externally.

The survey revealed new information about specific donor case loads, with CEOs averaging 26 donors as their personal responsibility, and CDOs averaging 61.

Of particular interest are the open-ended comments from CEOs and CDOs to the question, "What area of your fundraising is keeping you up at night?" The most frequent answer from 17 percent of respondents was donor acquisition, while several indicated their concerns do not rise to the level of preventing sleep. "I know that when we do what is required, God will provide," wrote one nonprofit fundraiser.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1936233150
• ISBN13: 9781936233151
• Release Date: September 2013
• Publisher: Ecfa
• Length: 52 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.