Giving Pyramid Analysis Last Fiscal Year

Giving Pyramid Analysis LFY

How to use the Giving Pyramid Analysis LFY analysis

This analysis transforms your last full fiscal year's gift data into a clear giving pyramid, allowing you to visualize the distribution of donors and gifts across different giving levels. By categorizing each gift from the Gifts table by amount into familiar ranges (for example, $0-$ 99.99, $100-$ 499.99, up to $100,000+), you gain immediate insight into how your donor base is structured, from grassroots supporters to major donors. The analysis draws on every gift made during the last complete fiscal year, automatically adjusting for your fiscal calendar, and summarizes several key metrics for each giving level: the number of gifts, the number of unique donors, the total dollars contributed, as well as the average, median, smallest, and largest gift sizes.

This set of analyses is compelling for fundraising strategy because it not only shows where your revenue is concentrated, but also highlights areas for growth and improvement. The calculation of the percentage of total giving by level clarifies which donor segments drive your fundraising results and which are underrepresented. Metrics like median and average gift size help you understand typical giving behavior at each level, revealing opportunities for targeted stewardship or upgrades. You should use these insights to identify gaps in your pyramid, such as a thin mid-level or an overreliance on a handful of major donors, and design tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Fundraising directors and development officers should review this analysis together as part of regular Constituent Intelligence routines-ideally quarterly or after major campaigns. Use it to prioritize your portfolio management: for instance, assign stewardship actions to retain top-tier donors, or identify prospects for mid-level upgrades. Additionally, you can focus outreach on expanding the base at entry-level tiers, or mobilize board members to help fill gaps in the pyramid. Success can be measured by tracking year-over-year improvements in donor retention and upgrades within each level, as well as by the diversification of gift sources and increased stability in overall revenue. By integrating these insights into your strategic planning, you'll strengthen donor relationships and build a more resilient fundraising program.