KPIFundraising & Income

Recurring Giving Rate

Percentage of total donors who give via a regular, automated donation (direct debit, standing order)

What is Recurring Giving Rate?

Recurring giving rate is the percentage of active donors who give on a regular basis, such as monthly. It shows how much of the supporter base gives predictably.

Regular gifts provide reliable, plannable income and tend to keep donors giving for longer.

How this KPI is measured

Function
Fundraising & Income
Sub-function
Donor Retention
Industry
Not-for-Profit / Charity
Type
Leading
Impact
Revenue
Unit
%
Measurement frequency
Monthly / Quarterly
Formula
(Recurring donors / Total active donors) × 100

How to calculate it

Divide recurring donors by total active donors, and multiply by 100.

For example, if 2,000 of 10,000 active donors give regularly, the rate is 20%.

Also look at the value of recurring income as a share of total income, and at how long regular donors continue to give.

Where it is used

  • Building predictable income

    Grow reliable giving.

  • Planning budgets

    Rely on committed income.

  • Converting one-off donors

    Invite them to give regularly.

How to improve it

Tips and common mistakes

  • Watch cancellation and failed payments.
  • Follow rules on direct debit and consent.
  • Regular giving is a long-term relationship.

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