FUNDRAISING
OPERATIONS

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^{WHAT WILL FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS LOOK LIKE IN 2024?}

At least one-half of participants expect major and mid-level gifts, as well as annual appeals, to increase in 2024

KEY DATA HIGHLIGHTS

While more organizations expect their fundraising programs to increase, 6 out of 10 gift categories show less expected growth than last year.

More organizations are relying on major and mid-level gifts vs. annual appeals, a top 2 fundraising program for the past several years. Membership programs dropped significantly, from 42% anticipating an increase in 2023 to 19% anticipating an increase in 2024.

Despite high proficiency in event planning by fundraising staff, events are dropping as a source of fundraising dollars for surveyed participants, falling two spots on this list.

EXPLORE DATA FOR YOUR SECTOR

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^{WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY FUNDRAISERS?}

Donor acquisition and donor retention remain top challenges; however, they are less of a concern heading into 2024 than in years past.

While donor retention/ stewardship is still a top challenge, it has dropped by 6% compared to 2022, returning to its 2021 value. Additionally, as organizations prioritize investing in their fundraising staff, hiring and retaining them became less of a challenge, with a nearly 10% drop.

LEARN TIPS FOR RETAINING FUNDRAISING STAFF

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^{ARE NONPROFITS ATTRACTING NEW DONORS?}

Almost 6 of 10 organizations (57%) indicated that their new donors have increased in the past 12 months, despite donor acquisition being a top fundraising challenge.

However, compared to the prior year, fewer organizations increased their new donors (57% vs 62%).

Learn how to leverage AI for prospect and donor communication from CCS Data Analytics.

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^{IN WHAT OTHER AREAS ARE FUNDRAISERS EXPERIENCING CHALLENGES?}

Fundraising challenges remain consistent, with both internal and external factors affecting organization performance.

INSUFFICIENT
STAFFING

Decreased budgets with increased performance expectations
Retraining staff toward more direct fundraising competency
Trying to achieve more with the same/fewer staff

ATTRACTING NEW DONORS/
AGING DONOR BASE

Capturing increased philanthropy from Millennials
Diversifying funding
Lack of philanthropy culture

BOARD
ENGAGEMENT

Absence of strategic priorities
Dissatisfaction with organizational data usage
Leadership transitions

ECONOMIC
UNCERTAINTY

Economic context, loss of purchasing power for members
Inflation, market volatility

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^{HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS PLAN TO RETAIN NEW DONORS?}

With donor retention a top challenge, only 48% of organizations reported retaining over half of their new donors in the previous 12 months.

Sending targeted digital communications and inviting current donors to regular events are the top two intended plans for retaining donors in 2024.

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^{HOW HAVE FUNDRAISING PRACTICES SHIFTED OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS?}

Personalized engagement methods are up. Virtual events are down.

Virtual events dropped from 41% to 21% over the past year as a donor engagement practice, signifying a major shift in traditional fundraising that could be the result of post-pandemic readjustments.

Do you plan on hosting a virtual event in 2024?

Yes
No
Maybe

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^{DOES DEI HAVE AN IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE?}

The majority of organizations agree that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is important to their fundraising efforts.

CCS is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates our diversity and promotes equality for all. Learn more about our commitment to DEI.

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^{HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS PLAN TO MEET THEIR STRATEGIC DEI GOALS?}

Emphasizing DEI in messaging became a top priority.

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58%

of respondents have difficulty
reaching diverse donor groups.

Is your organization focused on building trust with prospective donors of color?

Yes
No
I'm not sure

PLAY VIDEO

Learn how your organization can adapt its approach to reaching and retaining donors of diverse backgrounds through our Everyday Donors of Color: Giving Trends on-demand webinar.

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^{WHAT BARRIERS TO SUCCESS ARE ORGANIZATIONS FACING WHEN INCORPORATING DEI IN FUNDRAISING?}

Despite DEI's importance in messaging, communications strategies for donor outreach is the top challenge in DEI fundraising.

CCS recommends that you employ your organization's digital and print platforms, including your website, annual reports, newsletters, and stakeholder dialogues, to represent your DEI commitment.

Communicate inclusive initiatives, policies, and practices supported by relevant data to demonstrate a transparent, proactive approach to shaping a positive organizational culture. This strategy accentuates philanthropy's role as a catalyst for authentic, lasting transformation within the communities we serve.

READ OUR FULL MISSION STATEMENT