According to the Giving USA 2025 report, individual giving rose from last year. But three-quarters of dollars raised came from just 3% of donors. When giving is this top-heavy, should you keep investing in your annual fund program? In today's episode, we explore why the annual fund remains essential for long-term donor relationships — with insights on donor retention, stewardship through storytelling, and direct mail strategies to re-engage lapsed donors and strengthen your donor pipeline.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

Why Donor Retention Should Be Your Top Fundraising Priority https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/why-donor-retention-should-be-your-top-fundraising-priority

Colton C. Strawser, PhD has built his consulting career working with leaders at community foundations, United Ways, homeless shelters, senior service agencies, youth programs, arts and culture organizations, and more. He has trained more than 1,000 organizations and generated over $25 million in government grants. In addition to being a Certified Fund Raising Professional and Certified Nonprofit Professional, he has also completed a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting through BoardSource and is a Master Trainer through the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Dr. Strawser completed his PhD in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership at The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonstrawser/ https://www.coltonstrawser.com/

Samantha Timlick, partner & CEO of IPM Advancement, has been with IPM since launch. She's worked with nonprofit clients on donor renewal, appeal, stewardship, and acquisition programs encompassing more than 250 million total recipients across all fundraising channels — including highly segmented direct mail microtargeting, personalized inbound and outbound telemarketing, and integrated e-campaigns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stimlick/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. In his roles as senior consultant with IPM Advancement and founder of VisionConnect LLC, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in capital campaigns, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/