How to use the High Lift Donors LFY FEB analysis
This analysis identifies individual donors who showed a significant increase or lift in their giving during the target month of the last full fiscal year (specifically February, as defined in this setup), compared to their average giving in that same month across the prior three years. By focusing on month-specific behavior, you gain a granular view of donors who are not just repeating their annual pattern but are actively increasing their commitment during a key period. The data utilized includes detailed gift records by constituent, gift dates and amounts, and constituent status (such as whether the donor is deceased), as well as donor names and organization affiliations.
The core calculation compares each donor's average giving in February over the previous three fiscal years (establishing a personalized historical baseline) to their actual giving in February of the most recently completed fiscal year. The difference—the personal incremental lift— highlights donors who have gone above and beyond their own norm, not just the average donor trend. The analysis only includes living donors whose giving in the target month exceeded their own historical baseline, ensuring your focus is on real, positive behavioral shifts.
You can use this analysis to quickly pinpoint and prioritize donors who warrant special attention due to their heightened engagement. Supporting information such as the donor s full name or organization is included for each entry, equipping you with context for more tailored, relationship-driven outreach. For example, knowing if a donor is an individual or represents an organization can help you personalize follow-up communications and stewardship efforts.
Fundraising directors, development officers, and donor relations staff should regularly review this analysis—ideally as part of your Constituent Intelligence routines —to identify and recognize donors showing fresh momentum. Reach out promptly to acknowledge their increased generosity, explore their motivations, and offer engagement opportunities that match their new level of commitment. Incorporate these insights into your stewardship plans, segmenting and customizing your approach for these high-lift donors.
To measure success, track subsequent retention rates, further lift in giving, and qualitative feedback from donor interactions following targeted outreach. Over time, you should see higher renewal and upgrade rates among the high-lift segment, as well as stronger donor relationships borne out of timely, informed engagement.