New Year, New KPIs: Setting the foundations for fundraising success

Campaign reports - group of people looking at random data charts
As we already enter the second week of the new year, many of us will have embraced the idea of a “New Year, New Me.” , (and potentially already let it slide). It’s a time filled with promise, ambition, and the excitement of fresh starts. And as I’m sure many of us can attest to, while resolutions are often made with the best intentions, we all know how quickly they can fall by the wayside. But, this time of year does provide a valuable opportunity to hit the reset button and set clear, actionable goals that truly stick.

This year, instead of a fleeting resolution, why not focus on building a data-driven plan for success? By setting core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and creating a system to measure them accurately and efficiently, you’ll be empowered to track your fundraising progress and ensure your efforts are making the impact your mission deserves.

Why KPIs matter more than ever

In the current climate with costs rising and budgets falling, every resource counts. Understanding where to direct time, energy, and funds is crucial to achieving your goals. KPIs offer a clear way to:

  • Monitor Progress: They help you see how your fundraising initiatives are performing over time.
  • Identify Impact: You can pinpoint which activities are delivering results and which might need adjustment.
  • Foster Accountability: Clear metrics align your team and stakeholders around shared goals.
  • Drive Growth: Data-driven insights pave the way for smarter, more effective decision-making.

 

Start with a blank sheet

The New Year is the perfect time to step back and re-evaluate. Even if you’ve been tracking performance metrics, it’s worth asking: Are we measuring the right things? Are our goals aligned with our mission? Here are a few tips to set your KPIs for 2025:

  1. Prioritise Your Mission: Start by revisiting your organisation’s core objectives. Every KPI should align with your mission and the specific outcomes you’re striving to achieve.
  2. Focus on What Matters Most: It’s tempting to track everything, but too much data can cloud your focus. Zero in on the metrics that truly matter, such as donor retention rates, average donation size, or campaign conversion rates.
  3. Set SMART Goals: KPIs should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, “Increase donor retention by 10% within the next six months” is a strong, actionable KPI. This is nothing new, but worth remembering!

How to track effectively

Once you’ve set your KPIs, tracking them effectively is key. This is where accurate data, a single source of truth, and easy-to-use reporting tools come into play. Here’s how we can help:

  • Data Accuracy: Clean, reliable data is the foundation of meaningful insights. We ensure your data is up-to-date and error-free, so you’re always working from a solid base.
  • A Single Source of Truth: When your data lives in multiple systems, it’s easy for inconsistencies to creep in. We can centralise your information, giving you a clear, unified view of your performance.
  • Actionable Reporting: Data should be empowering, not overwhelming. Our easy-to-navigate reporting tools help you quickly spot trends, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes.

Minimal data access? No problem

What if your access to data is limited, as well as your budgets? Don;t worry = you can still make meaningful progress. Start with what you have anad focus on these fundamentals:

  • Track Donor Numbers: Even a basic count of new vs returning donors can reveal valuable trends.
  • Monitor Campaign Performance: Look at basic metrics like email open rates or social media engagement.
  • Set Incremental Goals: Focus on small, achievable wins to build momentum.

Let’s make 2025 your best year yet

The New Year offers a moment to step back, dream big and set the stage for meaningful impact. By focusing on clear, actionable KPIs and leveraging the power of accurate data, you’ll be ready to take on 2025 with confidence. Whether you;re looking for expert guidance or just a nudge in the right direction, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to start? Let’s work together to make this year the most impactful yet.

Take a look at our Whitepapers for more ideas to help improve your fundraising. What if your access to data is limited, as well as your budgets?