Glossary
Contact Management

Deceased Donor Flag

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
August 6, 2025

Definition:

A Deceased Donor Flag marks a donor as deceased in a nonprofit’s CRM, helping manage communications and records respectfully.
A Deceased Donor Flag is a designation within a nonprofit's donor management system that indicates a donor has passed away. This flag helps organizations maintain accurate records, avoid sending inappropriate communications, and update donor engagement strategies. Properly marking a donor as deceased ensures respectful stewardship, prevents future solicitations to the deceased individual, and allows nonprofits to manage legacy or memorial gifts effectively. This flag is often added based on information from obituaries, family notifications, or returned mail indicating the donor's passing. Maintaining this data point is essential for compliance, donor relationship management, and upholding the integrity of the organization's records.

Key Takeaways

  • Prevents sending communications to deceased donors
  • Maintains accurate and respectful donor records
  • Supports management of memorial or legacy gifts
  • Enhances compliance and relationship management

Why It Matters

It ensures respectful communication and accurate donor records for stewardship and compliance.

Real World Example

A nonprofit organization discovers through a local obituary that one of its long-time supporters has passed away. The organization updates the donor’s profile in Keela by setting the Deceased Donor Flag. This action ensures that the donor is excluded from future mailing lists and fundraising campaigns, preventing distress to the donor’s family. The team is also able to track memorial donations made in honor of the deceased and send appropriate acknowledgments to the family. This process demonstrates the organization’s commitment to respectful stewardship and accurate recordkeeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Deceased Donor Flag?

A Deceased Donor Flag is a marker in a nonprofit CRM indicating that a donor has passed away, helping organizations manage communications and records respectfully.

Why is it important to flag deceased donors?

Flagging deceased donors prevents sending inappropriate communications, maintains respectful stewardship, and ensures accurate donor records.

How does Keela help manage deceased donor information?

Keela allows users to easily set a Deceased Donor Flag on contact profiles, filter deceased donors in reports, and manage memorial gifts effectively.

Can memorial donations be tracked for deceased donors?

Yes, nonprofits can track and acknowledge memorial gifts made in honor of deceased donors, ensuring proper stewardship and recognition.

How do organizations learn a donor is deceased?

Organizations may learn of a donor's death through obituaries, family notifications, or returned mail, prompting the update of their records.

Related Terms

Accessibility Compliance
Automation Trigger in a Nonprofit CRM
Average Gift Size
Board Member Profile
Bounce Rate
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