How to use the Rolling 12 Mo Donor Count and Total Giving Analysis analysis
This analysis tracks donor engagement and giving patterns by calculating how many unique supporters have donated and how much has been given in each rolling 12-month period, over the last three years. For each month in the analysis period, you see the number of active donors, the total number of gifts, and the overall giving amount contributed within the prior 12 months. These key metrics allow you to monitor shifts in donor participation, spot trends in giving, and quickly identify whether your donor base and revenue are growing or declining.
The rolling 12-month counts are especially valuable because they smooth out seasonal fluctuations and campaign spikes, providing a clearer view of sustained engagement. The Active Donors (12mo) metric helps you understand donor retention and acquisition effectiveness, while Total Giving (12mo) highlights overall fundraising health. Reviewing this analysis as part of your Constituent Intelligence routines ensures that you catch emerging patterns—such as a drop in active donors or a surge in total giving—before they impact your annual goals.
You should schedule regular reviews of this analysis for both development officers and leadership, particularly during planning meetings and following major campaigns. Utilize the insights to tailor stewardship strategies, refine acquisition or reactivation efforts, and establish data-driven goals. For example, if you notice a decline in active donors despite steady giving, investigate which segments are lapsing and develop targeted re-engagement plans. If total giving is rising but the donor count remains stable, consider strategies to broaden your base rather than relying on a few large gifts.
Success can be measured by improvements in donor retention rates, growth in the 12-month active donor count, and increases in total giving over time. Consistently applying these insights will support more strategic fundraising, deeper donor relationships, and a stronger foundation for long-term philanthropy.