Digital Fundraising Strategy Scenario Builder

Every fundraising team wants more committed supporters — people who give regularly, give again, stay longer, and deepen their relationship over time. But the route to get there isn't obvious. Do you push for regular giving at acquisition, or recruit cash donors and convert them later? Do you concentrate in winter when response rates peak, or spread year-round for better donor quality? And critically — are your KPIs set up to let you pursue long-term value, or do they pull you back to short-term cash?

This tool helps you explore the trade-offs. Move the sliders to build a strategy, and see whether it's realistic given your organisation's appetite for change and capacity to invest. There's no single right answer — but there are combinations that won't work, and this will tell you why.

Strategic Choices
Where do we focus?
Acquisition emphasis
Cash-first RG-first
Seasonality
Year-round Winter-heavy
KPI focus
Short-term Long-term
What can we actually do?
Change appetite
Low High
Investment capacity
Low High
Strategy Output
Viable
This combination is realistic given your constraints.
Current Model (Optimised)
Cash-first acquisition, winter-led. Focus on efficiency within the existing model.
This strategy requires
You're accepting
In-year risk
Low
Long-term value
Low

About AAW

The AAW Group (AAW) is a global consultancy and search practice with a highly distinguished track record in not-for-profit leadership.

AAW’s benchmarking services include developing a range of sector reviews and benchmarks, individual charity performance benchmarking and overall Fundraising Benchmarks in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

AAW provides consultancy support for non-profits of all cause areas internationally. Since 2016 we have supported hundreds of charities and non-profits with fundraising, marketing and income generation reviews, strategy and major appeal development, developing and delivering organisational design, new market strategies, new product development and data, digital and technology support.