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New Donor to Second Gift Conversion
How to use the New Donor to Second Gift Conversion analysis
This analysis helps you understand how effectively your organization is retaining new donors by measuring the proportion of first-time donors who return to make a second gift. It draws on your complete giving history, identifying all individuals who made their first gift within the last 36 months, and then tracks whether and when each of those donors made a subsequent gift. It segments new donors based on their initial gift size, using your own threshold definitions for Top, Middle, and Bottom segments, so you can see how retention and upgrading patterns differ by giving level. You'll find metrics such as the total number of new donors in each segment and fiscal year, the number who converted to a second gift, the conversion rate, average amounts for first and second gifts, the average time between gifts, and the percentage who increased their gift on the second donation. There's also a focus on quick conversions (second gifts within three months), which can signal strong early engagement.
You can use this analysis to spot which segments are most likely to return, how quickly they do so, and whether your stewardship efforts are driving upgrades or rapid follow-up gifts. The detailed breakdown by acquisition year and gift segment allows you to tailor cultivation strategies for each cohort. For example, if Middle-segment donors convert more slowly than Top-segment ones, you might test more personalized touches for that group. The included data on upgrade rates shows where your messaging or programs are most effective at encouraging larger subsequent gifts.
It's essential that major gift officers and annual giving managers review this analysis regularly, as recommended as part of your Constituent Intelligence routines, to identify high-potential donors for further engagement and to refine onboarding or stewardship programs. Apply the insights by customizing follow-up timing, targeting upgrade appeals where the data shows strong potential, and celebrating quick conversions as early wins. Measure your success by tracking improvements over time in conversion rates, upgrade percentages, and reductions in time to second gift-these indicators will show whether your strategies are strengthening new donor retention and deepening relationships.