There is something on your dashboard…make sure it’s the right thing.
Fundraising without a dashboard is like driving blindfolded—you might be moving, but who knows if you’re headed in the right direction? Instead of guessing where donations are coming from or scrambling to meet your goals last-minute, imagine having a clear, real-time snapshot of your progress at your fingertips.
A fundraising dashboard is your nonprofit’s secret weapon, turning confusing spreadsheets into easy-to-read charts that actually make sense. It helps you track donations, spot trends, and make smarter decisions—without the headache. Plus, when your board or leadership asks, “How’s fundraising going?” you’ll have answers before they even finish the question.
In this post, we’ll break down why every nonprofit needs a fundraising dashboard, what to include, and how to make yours work like a charm.
A great fundraising dashboard should give you a clear, real-time picture of your fundraising progress. Here’s what to include:
These metrics help you understand how well you’re building connections with donors.
❤️ Heart: Donor Engagement & Relationships
Donor Retention Rate – What percentage of last year’s donors gave again?
New vs. Returning Donors – Are you balancing acquisition and loyalty?
Top Donors & Giving Trends – Who are your biggest supporters, and how often do they give?
Average Gift Size – Are donors increasing their giving over time?
📈 Strategy: Fundraising Progress & Performance
These data points show how well your fundraising efforts are working.
Total Funds Raised – How much have you raised toward your goal?
Revenue by Campaign or Fundraising Channel – Which efforts (events, grants, online giving) bring in the most support?
Pledge vs. Received Gifts – Are you on track to collect outstanding commitments?
Grant Tracking – What funding proposals are in progress or secured?
👏 Impact: Mission-Driven Insights
These metrics connect fundraising efforts to real-world change.
Number of People Served – How many lives are impacted by donor contributions?
Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funds – Are you raising enough flexible funding?
Fundraising Efficiency Ratio – How much are you spending to raise each dollar?
By tracking these key data points, your dashboard becomes a powerful decision-making tool—helping you strengthen donor relationships, refine strategy, and maximize impact.