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The Nonprofit ShowAuthor: American Nonprofit Academy
The Nonprofit Show is the nations daily broadcast for the business side of nonprofits bringing you practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies to help your organization run smarter, lead stronger, and fund better.Each weekday, our co-hosts and guests break down the most current topics in fundraising, board governance, leadership, staffing, technology, communications, and financial strategy giving nonprofit professionals the tools they need to build sustainable, high-performing organizations.With more than 1,400 episodes and growing, our on-demand library is a trusted resource for executive directors, team members, fundraisers, board members, and sector leaders who are ready to move beyond inspiration and into implementation. Watch the daily show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3A0Dqlw Language: en-us Genres: Business, Management, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Donor Retention Formula Every Nonprofit Needs
Episode 41
Friday, 13 March, 2026
Send a textDonor retention is a measurable strategy, not just a fundraising hope. Plus, how to calculate donor retention for nonprofits. On this episode of Fundraisers Friday, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall take on one of the most serious business challenges in the nonprofit sector: donor retention. Their conversation makes clear how fundraising success is not only about bringing in new names, it’s about keeping the people who have already said yes to your mission and building systems that help them stay connected.The discussion begins with a hard truth: average donor retention is far too low, and many organizations are not even measuring it consistently. Julia frames the issue in plain terms, calling it “a crisis,” while Tony brings context by showing how retention can vary by subsector. Faith-based groups and higher education may see stronger rates, while arts, culture, and human services organizations often face a steeper climb. That contrast alone reminds nonprofit leaders that benchmarking matters, but strategy matters even more.One of the most focused parts of their conversation is the simple donor retention formula. Julia makes the case that this number belongs in board meetings, CEO reports, and regular management conversations. Retention is not a side note. It is a core operating measure. As she puts it, “It should be present with everyone so that you know what is going on.”Tony then moves the conversation from math to management. He explains that donors leave for understandable reasons: delayed thanks, weak impact reporting, too many asks, and too little human connection. His line captures the heart of the episode: “We’re not talking about transactional fundraising. We’re talking about relationship-driven fundraising.” That idea turns donor retention from a development task into an organizational discipline.They also link retention to stewardship cost, long-term donor growth, monthly giving, and next-generation philanthropy. Monthly donors, in particular, are shown as a promising path for building a more stable base. Julia and Tony encourage leaders to study patterns, review donor journeys, and make practical choices with limited resources. 00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday 00:02:31 Why Donor Retention Is a Nonprofit Crisis 00:03:14 Retention Rates by Nonprofit Sector 00:06:18 Why Donors Stop Giving 00:08:00 Relationship-Driven Fundraising Strategies 00:10:10 The Donor Retention Formula 00:12:44 Using Data to Find Donor Patterns 00:16:16 Why Keeping Donors Costs Less 00:20:20 The Business Value of Monthly Giving 00:23:07 Donor Journey and Strategy Shifts 00:25:07 Planning Beyond a Big Fundraising Year #TheNonprofitShow #FundraisersFriday #DonorRetentionFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
