Question 1

How do I determine my 'Average Annual Revenue per Member'?

Accepted Answer

To get the most accurate number, divide your total membership revenue from the past year by the total number of members you had during that year. If you have distinct tiers (e.g., Individual, Family, Patron), you can calculate a weighted average for better precision.

Question 2

What's a realistic growth rate to assume?

Accepted Answer

This depends heavily on your institution's context. Look at your historical data from the past 3-5 years. Are you in a growth phase? Have you launched new membership drives? Are there external economic factors? A conservative estimate is usually best; it's better to under-promise and over-deliver. A 3-5% growth is often a reasonable starting point for a stable institution.

Question 3

Should I include in-kind donations in the forecast?

Accepted Answer

This calculator is designed primarily for cash revenue forecasting, as that's most relevant for budgeting operational expenses. While in-kind donations (like donated services or equipment) are valuable, they should be tracked separately as they don't contribute to cash flow in the same way.

Question 4

How can I use this forecast to improve my fundraising strategy?

Accepted Answer

If the forecast falls short of your goals, it's a clear signal to act. You can use this data to make a case for investing more in membership acquisition (e.g., marketing) or donor stewardship. For example, if donation growth is flat, you might plan a new, targeted fundraising campaign. If member growth is slow, you might introduce a new benefit to your membership packages.

Question 5

How often should I update my revenue forecast?

Accepted Answer

It's good practice to create an annual forecast as part of your budget planning process. However, it's also wise to review and adjust it quarterly. If a major fundraising campaign over-performs or a membership drive is less successful than hoped, you can update your inputs to keep the forecast relevant and accurate throughout the year.

Membership & Donation Revenue Forecaster

Membership Forecast

Donation Forecast

Results

Understanding the Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

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