How to use the Monthly Giving Comparison Current vs Prior 2 yrs analysis
This analysis provides a clear, month-by-month comparison of your organization's fundraising performance over the current and previous two fiscal years, structured according to your fiscal calendar (July-June). It aggregates all gift amounts by month and fiscal year, allowing you to quickly see trends, seasonal patterns, and the overall direction of giving. The analysis draws from your Gifts data, using each gift's date and amount, and computes total giving for each month in the current fiscal year, the prior fiscal year, and two years prior. For each month, it calculates the percentage change in giving between the current and previous year, flagging instances where new giving has emerged or where there has been a drop-off.
You should use this analysis to understand not only aggregate giving but also identify months where fundraising has grown, stagnated, or declined, which is invaluable for end-of-year reviews or mid-year course corrections.
The primary metrics-monthly giving totals and year-over-year percentage change-are essential for tracking the health of your donor pipeline. These figures can alert you to shifts in donor behavior, highlight successful campaigns, or signal the need for renewed outreach in specific months. By examining these trends, you can better forecast revenue, set realistic targets, and time your appeals for maximum effectiveness.
Development directors and annual giving managers should review this analysis on a monthly basis. It is handy for identifying which periods require additional engagement or stewardship, and where to focus personalized outreach.
To apply these insights, schedule regular team reviews to discuss months showing significant change, assign stewardship or solicitation priorities based on emerging trends, and adjust campaign calendars to align with your strongest periods. Success can be measured by increased year-over-year giving, greater consistency in monthly revenue, and improved donor retention rates, driven by timely and data-informed engagement. This analysis is recommended to be reviewed periodically as part of your Constituent Intelligence routines.