Blakely Fundraising ads

42% of Americans say they don't want or expect to be treated like they have joined a team or community after their first donation. Onboarding new donors in a way that’s relevant for them is crucial for building trust and future lifetime value. For some, it’s a transaction. For others, it’s the start of something more. Our research reveals how different audiences view that first donation and what they expect next.

Over half of donors say conversations with family and friends influence whether they'll donate or give again. Asking your donors to share information isn’t just smart, it’s strategic. It builds pride. Deepens connection. And opens the door to new supporters. When donors feel proud and inspired about the charities they support, they often share and that word-of-mouth can quietly spark growth.

Volume may look like growth, but it often leads to churn, not loyalty. It clutters your database without building sustainable revenue. Beneath the surface? Missed engagement, poor retention, and fading long-term value. Discover what you're really sacrificing in the race for volume and how to shift your strategy to increase engagement, improve retention and maximize long- term value.

Over half of donors say conversations with family and friends influence whether they'll donate or give again. Asking donors to share what inspires them with others isn't just smart, it’s strategic. It builds pride. Deepens connection. And opens the door to new supporters. When donors feel proud and inspired by the charities they support and have a great experience, they’re more likely to share it. And that word-of-mouth can quietly spark growth.

Is your acquisition strategy fueling real growth or just filling your database? Chasing volume alone can result in misleading success metrics. Our latest research exposes the Acquisition Illusion and shows how prioritizing donor quality, retention, and lifetime value can lead to more sustainable, high-impact growth.

Our research shows one in three donors start with a small gift to test the waters before making a bigger commitment. They’re not just giving, they’re evaluating. Is your charity the right fit? Does it align with their values? Will their gift be used wisely? The moment after that first gift is where your opportunity lies. When done right, it's not just a transaction, it’s the start of a lasting relationship.