The nonprofit sector has more data than ever before—but far too often, it isn’t used to inform meaningful strategic decisions. This session, facilitated by the Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), convenes a cross-sector panel of fundraisers, data scientists, and technology leaders to explore how fundraisers can use evidence-based insights to strengthen their decision-making and deepen donor engagement.
A collaboration between the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy and GivingTuesday, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project is the sector’s longest-running source of trusted data on giving trends and donor retention. Each quarter, FEP produces research and benchmarking resources that help fundraisers understand where growth is happening—and where it isn’t. This panel moves beyond a discussion of the latest findings to focus on how these tools can directly shape day-to-day fundraising practice.
Panelists will share how organizations are using FEP insights to guide campaign planning, support data-driven conversations with leadership, and adapt to a changing philanthropic landscape. Through case studies, real-time polling, and interactive dialogue, attendees will learn how to interpret FEP data and apply it to identify risks and opportunities across their donor base.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn how to interpret and apply Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) data to identify key risks and opportunities across their donor base, transforming complex national benchmarks into clear, actionable insights for everyday fundraising decisions.
Participants will understand how to use data-driven evidence to guide organizational strategy, educate boards and leadership teams, and strengthen collaboration between fundraising, technology, and communications functions.
Attendees will gain practical frameworks and examples for using FEP tools to enhance donor retention, forecast performance, and make informed investment choices that balance short-term goals with long-term sustainability.
