How to use the Giving Pyramid CFY analysis
This analysis provides a clear breakdown of giving patterns within the current fiscal year, categorizing all gifts from your database into specific giving levels, such as $0-$ 99.99, $100-$ 499.99, and so on, based on the amount of each gift. By referencing only gifts made within the current fiscal year, you ensure that you are working with the most up-to-date snapshot of donor behavior. For each giving level, the analysis calculates key fundraising metrics, including the number of gifts, the number of unique donors, the total dollars contributed, the average and median gift sizes, as well as the range from the smallest to the largest gift. Additionally, the primary value of this analysis is that it reveals the percentage of total giving each gift size level represents, allowing you to see at a glance the gift sizes your donors are most comfortable with, or the gift sizes that your appeal asks are pushing them towards.
Development directors and annual giving managers should review this analysis regularly, especially at key points in the fiscal year or campaign cycle. Schedule this analysis to be reviewed periodically as part of your Constituent Intelligence routines. Use the findings to guide decisions about resource allocation, targeted appeals, appeal amounts, and personalized stewardship plans. For instance, if you notice a strong base at a certain gift size level, consider launching an upgrade campaign to move donors up the pyramid. If you see a small number of donors making large gifts, prioritize relationship-building efforts with those individuals to ensure continued engagement.
Success should be measured by improvements in donor retention across tiers, increases in upgrade rates between gift size levels, and year-over-year growth in total giving. By leveraging this analysis as a foundation for more personalized outreach and strategic planning, you will be better positioned to maximize both donor satisfaction and fundraising outcomes.