Fundraising     |     29 September 2025

25 Mindblowing Fundraising Statistics to Keep in Mind for Your Next Event

Turning numbers into strategy for your next fundraiser

12 minute read

You're juggling a hundred things: sponsor asks, venue details, maybe a raffle you’re still figuring out, and the event isn’t going to plan itself. You care about the cause. You want to raise real money, but you don’t have endless hours or a team of full-time pros behind you.

That’s where data can make a difference.

The right information can shape when you schedule your event, how you set up your donation page, which emails you send, and what kind of follow-up keeps people coming back. These 25 nonprofit fundraising statistics can help you make smarter decisions without overcomplicating things and without guessing.

Where the numbers come from

Most of the statistics below are based on recent industry reports from sources such as Giving USA, CCS Fundraising, Neon One, and donor behavior studies. We’ve also incorporated real data trends observed from thousands of events hosted on Silent Auction Pro. No fluff; just practical, grounded insights that can guide your next move.

25 fundraising stats for your next event

1. Nearly one-third of annual giving happens in December

Think of year-end giving as your donors’ big moment. Whether it’s the holiday spirit, tax incentives, or that final reminder email hitting just right, December consistently drives more donations than any other month. 10% of annual donations happen during those last 3 days of the year. Make sure that your fundraising or marketing efforts are strong this time of year to take advantage of the holiday giving spirit or the end of the fiscal year for tax deductions. 

That doesn’t mean you have to throw a gala on December 31. Even a small online auction or a paddle raise in early December can ride this momentum. Use scheduled emails and text reminders to stay on your supporters’ radar, especially during the final two weeks of the year. With Silent Auction Pro, you can line up those messages in advance, so you’re not scrambling on top of everything else.

2. GivingTuesday raised $3.6 billion in 2024

This one-day campaign has gone from a niche movement to a major fundraising moment. And yes, $3.6 billion is a big number. More important than the size is the opportunity it represents. People are already in the mood to give on Giving Tuesday. Your job is just to show up.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Even a simple one-day push with a custom donation page and a few well-timed messages can have a solid return. Using Silent Auction Pro's Giving Campaign feature is a very inexpensive way to create a Giving Tuesday donation page. Often, we waive the $25 setup fee for Giving Tuesday. If you want to run a quick online auction or raffle to accompany it, Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to launch something quickly and still look polished. 

3. 63% of donors prefer to give online with a credit or debit card

Don’t overcomplicate the payment process. People want to support your event, but they expect it to be fast and familiar. That’s why credit and debit cards remain the go-to for the majority of donors.

If you’re still collecting checks or using a clunky form that requires people to jump through hoops, you’re likely leaving donations on the table. Silent Auction Pro handles online payments with built-in credit card processing through trusted partners, as well as easy mobile checkout. That means donors can bid, win, and pay in just a few taps without waiting in line or pulling out a checkbook.

4. Recurring gifts now make up 31% of online revenue

Monthly giving used to be an afterthought. Now, it’s one of the most effective ways to build long-term support. Donors like the flexibility. You get more predictable income. Everyone wins.

The key is to ask. Make recurring giving a visible, easy option at every point in your donor journey—during event registration, on your donation page, and in post-event emails. With Silent Auction Pro, you can enable recurring donations and customize your messaging to make the case clearly, without extra tech or integrations.

5. The average recurring donor gives $288 per year

Here’s where recurring donations shine: they go beyond mere convenience; they raise more. While the average one-time gift might be around $100, a monthly donor giving $24 adds up to nearly $300 by year’s end.

Encouraging recurring support shows people how steady contributions help you plan and grow. Highlight the option early and often, and let your software track those donors, send automatic receipts, and keep things running without adding extra admin work to your plate.

6. Only 14% of nonprofits ask for recurring gifts at checkout

This is one of those numbers that makes you pause for thought. If monthly giving drives consistent revenue, and we know it does, why are most organizations skipping the ask? Whether it's an oversight or a hesitation, it's costing them.

You don’t need a whole campaign to promote recurring gifts. Adding a small checkbox or button to your checkout or donation form can be enough. The key is placement and timing. Ask when someone is already in the giving mindset, like right after a ticket purchase or during event check-out. Silent Auction Pro gives you control over these touchpoints in our Giving Campaign feature, so you can make the ask without disrupting the flow.

7. Mobile users account for 52% of nonprofit web traffic

More than half of your supporters are viewing your site or event page on their phones. That means mobile isn't optional anymore; it should be the default. If your pages are hard to read, slow to load, or clunky to navigate on a phone, you’re going to lose people before they ever click “donate.”

Silent Auction Pro was designed with mobile users in mind. Registration, bidding, check-in, and checkout are all streamlined for phones and tablets. No apps, no extra downloads. Just smooth access for donors wherever they are, even mid-bid at their table.

8. Desktop users make 67% of donations and 78% of revenue

While mobile might win in traffic, desktop still leads in dollars. People tend to give larger amounts when they’re on a laptop or desktop computer. This is probably because they’re more comfortable reviewing details, entering payment info, or exploring all your offerings.

What this means for you: don’t treat mobile as the only priority. Make sure your desktop experience is just as clean, quick, and functional. Silent Auction Pro’s customizable landing pages look great on any device, and load times are optimized so nothing gets in the way of a donor hitting “confirm.”

9. 84% of donors are more likely to give if matching gifts are offered

Matching gifts can double the impact of a donation, and the promise of that match makes people more likely to give in the first place. It’s a motivator rooted in value: why give $100 when that same $100 could become $200?

You don’t need a complicated corporate partnership to make this work. A simple message on your ticketing page or donation form, “Check if your employer matches gifts,” can be effective. If you have a sponsor willing to match a portion of event proceeds, highlight that clearly. It can turn a hesitant donor into a confident one.

10. Over $6 billion in matching gifts goes unclaimed annually

It’s a wild number, and it comes down to awareness. Most people are unaware that they may be eligible for matching through their workplace, and many organizations fail to follow up after the event to encourage them to check.

This is an easy fix. Use a post-event email to remind donors about matching gifts and include a quick link or form. You can schedule these messages with Silent Auction Pro, so they go out automatically after your event wraps. That means no extra tasks on your end, but a potential revenue boost waiting to happen.

11. 50% of recurring donors also make additional one-time gifts

Monthly donors are already showing up for you, but that doesn’t mean they’re tapped out. Half of them also give above and beyond their recurring amount when inspired by a special ask or campaign.

This is where segmentation comes in handy. Treat your recurring donors like the VIPs they are. Send them special invitations to your next auction, early access to raffle tickets, or a personalized update about what their donations are supporting. Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to organize your donor list and send targeted messages without pulling reports or juggling spreadsheets.

12. 42% of donors say they were inspired to give because someone asked them

No one wants to feel like a pushy salesman, but the data shows that people are more likely to give when someone asks. What does that mean? Ask more often and more strategically. Many supporters are simply waiting for the right nudge. Use your event software to segment past attendees, volunteers, and bidders, then reach out with targeted asks based on their history. Whether it’s a gentle reminder or a clear invitation to support a new cause, personal outreach still works.

13. 91% of nonprofits have a website, but only 22% are fully accessible

Web accessibility may seem like it’s just a technical checklist, it’s really about ensuring that everyone who wants to support your cause can. That includes people using screen readers, larger text, or keyboard navigation.

The good news is you don’t have to overhaul everything to be more inclusive. Simple page layouts, clear fonts, and mobile-friendly design go a long way. Silent Auction Pro utilizes clean, responsive templates that incorporate accessibility best practices by default. It's one of those small choices that make your event more welcoming—and more successful.

14. SMS open rates reach as high as 98%

If you’ve ever wondered whether anyone is actually reading your emails, here’s a stat that changes the game. Text messages have an open rate close to 98%. That’s not a typo. Unlike email, where your carefully written appeal might sit unread in an inbox, texts almost always get seen and fast.

This doesn’t mean you should ditch email altogether, but it does mean text messaging deserves a spot in your communication plan. Use it for things that matter in the moment: “Bidding closes in 10 minutes,” or “Check-in opens at 6 p.m. and your table number is on your paddle.” Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to schedule and send personalized text messages, whether you’re managing a gala or running an online auction. You can even set up outbid alerts that go straight to a donor’s phone with no refreshing required.

15. Donor retention for first-time givers is just 23%

Most first-time donors don’t come back. That’s not great news, but it’s fixable. The drop-off usually happens when there’s no follow-up, no relationship, and no sense that their gift mattered.

To change that, start by looking at how you welcome new supporters. Did they get a thank-you that felt real, not automated? Did they hear from you again before your next ask? Simple steps, such as a personalized thank-you email, a brief impact story shared a week later, or even a check-in message ahead of your next event, can help turn a one-time gift into something more. With Silent Auction Pro, you can track every donor and automate those little touches that help people feel seen. 

16. Prior donors (multi-year givers) are retained at a rate of 61%

If you’re looking for a reliable group of supporters, your past donors are it. We’re not necessarily talking about previous first-time donors; we’re looking at those who have already supported multiple times in the past. While new donor retention is low, those who’ve given to your organization for multiple years stick around at more than double the rate. They already believe in your mission. They just need a reason to stay engaged.

That’s why loyalty should be part of your strategy, not just acquisition. You don’t have to reinvent your event every year to keep people interested. Just make it easy for returning donors to register, bid, and give. Use customized invitations, targeted reminders, and donor-specific messaging. Silent Auction Pro allows you to create personalized communications and easy returner sign-in for past attendees or supporters, so your most loyal donors feel recognized and welcomed back.

17. 64% of event attendees say ease of checkout affects whether they’ll return

The last thing you want is to lose someone willing to give because the checkout process is too much of a chore. Streamline the checkout experience. A long line or confusing process can be the last thing people remember. Silent Auction Pro simplifies check-out with mobile payments, real-time receipts, and automatic item distribution lists, so your team isn’t scrambling and your guests leave happy.

18. 75% of donors watch videos to understand the impact

Donors want to know that their money is making a difference. For three out of four people, video is the most straightforward way to see that. 

A 60-second clip of your nonprofit in action, a thank-you from someone who has been impacted by donations, or even a walkthrough of your event setup can go a long way. People connect more deeply when they see the faces and places behind your mission. You can embed these videos in your Silent Auction Pro landing page or drop them into your post-event emails. It’s a simple way to make the abstract feel real, and to encourage continued support.

19. 97% of donors say impact is a major motivator

Most donors don’t give just to give. They want to feel like they’re making a difference. 97% say knowing the impact of their donation is a big part of why they give in the first place.

That means your communication should always lead with results. Instead of saying, “We raised $10,000,” try showing what $10,000 can do. Whether it’s meals delivered, programs expanded, or new equipment purchased, your supporters want to know what they helped make possible. You can reinforce this across your Silent Auction Pro event pages, email follow-ups, and even on printed signage at your fundraiser. Make the message: You didn’t just give; you made something happen.

20. Events that include a live auction raise 35% more on average

Live auctions bring energy and results. Whether you’re auctioning off a vacation home, signed memorabilia, or front-row seats to the spring concert, a well-run live segment increases both total bids and bidder engagement.

You don’t need a professional auctioneer to make this work. Choose a confident, upbeat speaker from your community and give them a short script with starting bids, key details, and a few jokes. Keep it tight, fast-paced, and limited to just 5–7 high-value items. Let the rest of your catalog live in your silent auction, where mobile bidding can continue throughout the night.

21. 75% of Gen Z donors prefer giving through digital platforms or apps

Younger donors aren’t bringing checkbooks to your gala, or mailing a pledge form afterward. For Gen Z, giving is mobile, fast, and intuitive. If the option isn’t in their pocket, they may not follow through.

Make sure your auction software includes mobile bidding and text-to-give features. Include QR codes on event signage and programs that take people directly to a giving page. 

Don’t forget to test your platform on different phone types; what works great on one screen can glitch on another. A seamless mobile experience is a way to keep your next generation of supporters engaged. Silent Auction Pro’s flexibility means you can work with any generation’s preferences. 

22. The average one-time donor gives $121

It’s easy to overlook small or average donations when you’re focused on big fundraising goals. But $121 adds up, especially when it’s part of a larger system that makes it easy for people to give, return, and give again.

That’s where automation and thoughtful planning come in. Ensure your registration process is smooth, checkout is seamless, and thank-you messages are sent promptly. Silent Auction Pro handles all of that behind the scenes, so your team can focus on keeping the event running smoothly instead of troubleshooting payments or searching for donor information.

23. Peer-to-peer and social media campaigns attract 62% new donors

People trust people they know. When your supporters invite their friends, coworkers, or social followers to participate, it can open up entirely new donor circles, especially if the ask feels personal.

That’s the power of peer-to-peer. You can incorporate it into your event by creating team-based fundraising pages or providing individuals with their links to share. When possible, use custom URLs, so you can empower board members, parent groups, or volunteers to lead mini-campaigns. It doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to feel authentic.

24. Donors who volunteer are 2x more likely to give

Volunteers aren’t just generous with their time; they’re also some of your most reliable financial supporters. When someone feels connected to your mission, they’re more likely to donate again and again.

One of the smartest things you can do is make your fundraising event a space for both. Invite volunteers to help, provide them with a great experience, and then show them how they can contribute in other ways. If you’re using Silent Auction Pro, you can track who volunteers, who donates, and who does both. That means better insights and more effortless follow-ups, especially for year-end campaigns.

25. The best time of year to fundraise is when your audience is ready

There’s no one-size-fits-all calendar. While December is strong across the board, every organization has its own rhythms. Maybe your donors are most engaged at the start of the school year. Maybe your community rallies in spring. Your data can tell you more than a generic benchmark ever will.

That’s why it helps to look at your past events and giving patterns. Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to run reports on registration dates, donation spikes, and attendance trends. Use that info to plan smarter, around what your supporters actually do.

Turn data into action with Silent Auction Pro

When you step back and look at the bigger picture, a few patterns emerge. Timing matters, whether it’s aligning with giving seasons or sending communications at the right moment. Donor preferences matter, like the growing importance of video, SMS messaging, and transparency around impact. Retention is key, especially when the data shows how much more sustainable multi-year and monthly giving can be. And matching gifts? Still one of the most underused tools out there.

The point isn’t to do everything at once. It’s to do the next right thing, whether that’s adding a thank-you video to your follow-up email, trying a text message reminder before your event, or simply tracking which guests gave last year and inviting them personally again.

Silent Auction Pro is built to help you take those steps with less stress and more success. From segmented donor reports to built-in messaging tools and mobile-friendly giving pages, it’s all designed with volunteers and nonprofit teams in mind.

Want to see how it works in action? Request a free demo today and start planning your next fundraiser with confidence.