Glossary
Reports & Insights

Cohort Analysis

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 16, 2025

Definition:

Cohort Analysis groups supporters by shared traits or actions over time to reveal patterns and optimize nonprofit strategies.
Cohort Analysis is a method used to group donors, volunteers, or supporters based on shared characteristics or behaviors over a specific period of time. By analyzing these groups, nonprofits can identify trends, patterns, and the effectiveness of fundraising or engagement strategies. For example, a cohort might include donors who first contributed during a specific campaign or fiscal year. By tracking how these individuals interact with your organization over time, you can gain insights into retention rates, giving patterns, and the long-term impact of your outreach efforts. This analysis helps organizations tailor communications, refine campaigns, and better allocate resources for maximum impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Segments supporters based on shared behaviors or timeframes
  • Helps identify retention and engagement trends
  • Supports data-driven decision-making
  • Optimizes campaigns and resource allocation

Why It Matters

Cohort Analysis reveals donor trends, enabling nonprofits to boost retention and tailor engagement strategies.

Real World Example

A nonprofit uses Cohort Analysis to track donors who first gave during their 2022 Giving Tuesday campaign. By monitoring their subsequent donation activity, the organization discovers that 40% of this cohort gave again the following year. This insight prompts the nonprofit to develop targeted communications for new Giving Tuesday donors, increasing the likelihood of repeat gifts. As a result, the nonprofit improves its donor retention rate and maximizes the return on investment for future campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cohort Analysis in nonprofit fundraising?

Cohort Analysis is a technique for grouping donors or supporters by shared characteristics or behaviors over a set period to track engagement and giving trends.

How does Cohort Analysis improve donor retention?

By identifying when and how donors engage, nonprofits can tailor strategies to specific groups, increasing the likelihood of repeat support and higher retention rates.

Can I perform Cohort Analysis with Keela?

Yes, Keela’s reporting features allow you to segment and analyze cohorts for more effective campaign planning and donor engagement.

Which data is needed for Cohort Analysis?

You'll need supporter information such as donation dates, engagement activities, and other relevant behaviors to create meaningful cohorts.

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