Each year, FFE conducts the Industry Survey – which provides insights that directly reflect the fraternal fundraising industry. Let’s look at donor retention comparisons between our fraternal foundations and 2022 Nonprofit Sector Trends reported by the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.
Based upon retention-related data in 2021 and 2022 Industry Survey Insights Report, our foundations saw a -2.8% decrease in overall donor retention and -1.1% decrease in first-time donor retention.
While the nonprofit industry continues to experience significant decline in donor retention rates across all categories, fraternal foundations result above average against 2022 nonprofit trends with +0.7% when comparing overall retention YOY and +15.8% when comparing first-time retention YOY.
FFE Member Organizations: 2021 – 35 participants; 2022 – 34 participants for retention categories
| Overall Retention | First-Time Retention |
| 2021: 57.9% | 2021: 29.7% |
| 2022: 55.1% | 2022: 28.6% |
| YOY Change: -2.8% | YOY Change: -1.1% |
| YOY FFE to Trend Comparison: +0.7% | YOY FFE to Trend Comparison: +15.8% |
2022 Nonprofit Sector Trends Quarterly Fundraising Report
| Overall Retention | First-Time Retention |
| 2022: 42.6% | 2022: 19.1% |
| YOY Change: -3.5% | YOY Change: -16.9% |
It’s important we acknowledge the differences in donor retention rates year over year between the men’s and women’s groups. The men’s groups report significantly higher overall donor retention and first-time donor retention percentages compared to the women’s groups. However, the women’s groups report minimal year over year decline in overall retention and even a minimal increase for first-time retention.
Men’s Groups: 2021 – 21 participants; 2022 – 19 participants for retention categories
| Overall Retention | First-Time Retention |
| 2021: 61.5% | 2021: 36.4% |
| 2022: 57.5% | 2022: 35.4% |
| YOY Change: -4% | YOY Change: -1% |
Women’s Groups: 2021 – 14 participants; 2022 – 15 participants for retention categories
| Overall Retention | First-Time Retention |
| 2021: 52.6% | 2021: 19.3% |
| 2022: 52% | 2022: 20% |
| YOY Change: -0.6% | YOY Change: +0.7% |
Should we be asking ourselves…
- If we know it’s more costly to acquire new donors than retain the ones we already have and we are seeing significantly less decline in first-time donor retention compared to general nonprofit sector, are we truly spending more time and energy on first-time donors?
- Based upon their higher averages, are the men’s groups excelling in their stewardship efforts, and what can we learn from them?
Note: FFE Industry Survey Insights Report includes fiscal year data that does not align with calendar year data provided in Nonprofit Sector Trends Report. Comparisons are interpreted based on a limited data set.
Note: FFE Industry Survey Insights Report includes fiscal year data that does not align with calendar year data provided in Nonprofit Sector Trends Report. Comparisons are interpreted based on a limited data set.
Comprehensive results of the Industry Survey are shared only with those groups who participate in the survey with 100% completion. If you’d like to confirm your organization’s historical participation, contact Director of Programs Desiree Paulhamus.
