Click on Logo to go to home page
About Us Link Seminars of the Institute Link Book Store Link Dollars and Sense Link Contact Us Link Site Map Link

Recent Questions

How to Ask Faculty & Staff for Gifts?

How Restrictive Is The HIPPA Privacy Regulation?

What Happens When A Campaign Is Completed?

Why Do So Many Fundraisers Become Consultants?

What are the Pro and Cons of Creating a Bonus System?

How Much Should You Spend for Campaign Costs?

What are the regulations for gifts from IRA's?

Archive of Previous Questions

Dollars and Sense

What Gifts Are Most Cost-Effective

Jennifer Summers asks whether there are any benchmarks regarding annual giving and direct mail. What is the average cost of direct mail, she asks— and what does it cost for other types of fundraising? 

Answer: Here are some guidelines that will be of interest to you. Obviously, the cost will depend on your particular situation and the effectiveness of your fundraising. These ratios may not get you within inches— but they do provide a good yardstick.


Reasonable Fundraising Cost Guidelines

Fundraising Method

Generally Accepted
Guidelines Per $1.00 Raised

Direct Mail Acquisition
$1.00 to $1.50
Direct Mail Renewal
$0.20
Special Events
$0.50
Volunteer Led Annual Giving
$0.10 to $0.20
Individual Major Gift Program
$0.10 to $0.20
Foundations
$0.20
Capital Campaigns
$0.10
Planned Giving
$0.20 to $0.30

– Jerry Panas

 
About Us | Seminars | Book Store | Dollars & Sense
Contact Us | Site Map | Home