10 ways to measure the success of your Nonprofit Organization

Linda Handley
3 min readOct 9, 2023

Fundraising is the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, enabling them to fulfill their missions and make a positive impact on the world.

However, measuring fundraising success goes beyond simply counting dollars raised. To truly gauge the effectiveness of your fundraising efforts, you need to consider various key performance indicators (KPIs).

In this article, we will explore ten essential ways to measure fundraising success and help your nonprofit thrive. So, whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just starting, read on to find out how you can measure your success and make a difference.

1. Revenue Growth:

The most obvious indicator of fundraising success is revenue growth. Track year-over-year increases in donations, grants, and other income sources. A consistent upward trend indicates that your fundraising efforts are on the right track.

2. Donor Retention Rate:

Donor retention is a critical metric. Calculate the percentage of donors who continue to support your organization from one year to the next. High donor retention signifies that you are cultivating lasting relationships with your supporters.

3. Cost-to-Raise-a-Dollar (CRD):

CRD measures the efficiency of your fundraising efforts. Divide the total fundraising expenses by the revenue generated. A lower CRD indicates that…

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Linda Handley
Linda Handley

Written by Linda Handley

Business executive who has successfully managed operations for multi-billion dollar corporations to small startups. www.LindaHandley.com

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