Fundraising efficiency ratio calculator

Calculate how much your nonprofit spends to raise each dollar and see how your results compare with common benchmarks. Enter fundraising expenses and revenue to measure efficiency across campaigns, channels, and years—then use the results to spot trends and make smarter budgeting decisions.

Learn how to use this freebie

Calculate your fundraising efficiency ratio

Total fundraising expenses

Include staff costs, platform fees, direct mail, events, marketing, and fundraising software

Total donations raised

Include donations and grants your nonprofit counts as contributions. Don’t include program fees or merchandise sales.

Cost per dollar raised

$0.00

Total fundraising expenses ÷ total donations raised

Enter your totals to see your status

Benchmark reference

Based on common benchmarks used across nonprofit guidance. Treat these as rules of thumb, not universal standards.

Strong

$0.20 or less

You’re spending $0.20 or less to raise each dollar—a sign of efficient fundraising.

Room to improve

$0.21–$0.35

Your ratio falls within a commonly accepted range, but there may still be opportunities to lower costs or raise more

Take a closer look

Above $0.35

Review your results by fundraising channel before making changes. Higher costs can be expected during donor acquisition or periods of growth.

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See exactly what your fundraising costs

Calculate how much you spend to raise each dollar, so you can understand your true fundraising efficiency.

Compare performance over time

Track results by channel, campaign, and year to see what’s improving—and where costs may be creeping up.

Make smarter budgeting decisions

Compare your ratios with industry benchmarks and use the insights to invest more confidently in the strategies that deliver the strongest returns.

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