Glossary
Analytics & Forecasting

Median Gift Size

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 16, 2025

Definition:

Median Gift Size is the middle donation amount received in a period, providing a clear view of typical donor giving patterns.
Median Gift Size is a key fundraising metric that represents the middle donation amount received during a specific time period. When all individual gifts are listed in order from smallest to largest, the median is the value sitting precisely in the middle—meaning an equal number of gifts are larger and smaller than this amount. Unlike the average (mean), the median is not influenced by extremely large or small donations, providing a more accurate reflection of typical donor behavior. Nonprofits often use this metric to better understand their core donor base, set realistic fundraising goals, and measure the impact of campaigns, as it offers a clearer picture of common giving patterns.

Key Takeaways

  • Represents the typical donation, not skewed by outliers
  • Helps set realistic fundraising goals
  • Provides insights into donor giving patterns
  • Useful for campaign performance analysis

Why It Matters

It reveals the typical donation size, helping nonprofits assess donor engagement and fundraising effectiveness.

Real World Example

A small nonprofit runs a fundraising campaign and receives ten donations: $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $35, $40, $100, $200, and $500. The average gift size is much higher because of the $500 gift, but the median gift is $32.50 (the average of the fifth and sixth values, $30 and $35). This median reflects the typical amount most supporters contributed, rather than being inflated by the largest donation. By tracking their Median Gift Size, the nonprofit understands what most donors are comfortable giving, allowing them to tailor future appeals and stewardship strategies to their core donor base.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Median Gift Size calculated?

List all donation amounts in order and find the middle value. If there are an even number of gifts, the median is the average of the two middle amounts.

Why use Median Gift Size instead of Average Gift Size?

Median Gift Size is less affected by unusually large or small gifts, offering a clearer view of typical donor behavior.

Can I track Median Gift Size in Keela?

Yes, Keela's reporting tools automatically calculate and display Median Gift Size for your campaigns and time periods.

What does a rising Median Gift Size indicate?

A rising median suggests that your typical donor is giving more, which could reflect successful engagement or campaign strategies.

Related Terms

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