Glossary
Reports & Insights

Nonprofit KPI

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 16, 2025

Definition:

A Nonprofit KPI is a quantifiable metric used to measure a nonprofit’s progress toward its strategic and operational goals.
A Nonprofit KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is a measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a nonprofit organization is achieving its key objectives. These indicators help nonprofits monitor progress toward their mission, assess program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions. KPIs can include metrics like donor retention rate, fundraising efficiency, volunteer engagement, and program impact. By tracking these indicators regularly, nonprofits can identify strengths and areas for improvement, enhance accountability, and communicate their successes to stakeholders. Selecting the right KPIs is crucial—they should align directly with the organization's mission and strategic goals and be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Key Takeaways

  • KPIs track progress toward mission and goals
  • They support data-driven decision-making
  • Well-chosen KPIs improve accountability
  • KPIs should be aligned with your nonprofit’s strategy

Why It Matters

KPIs help nonprofits measure success, improve outcomes, and demonstrate accountability to supporters and funders.

Real World Example

A youth mentorship nonprofit defines 'number of youth matched with mentors' and 'percentage of mentees reporting improved confidence' as its KPIs. By tracking these metrics quarterly, the organization can see whether its programs are making a tangible difference. If the number of matches increases but the confidence percentage stays flat, it may indicate a need to improve the quality of mentorship. These insights help the nonprofit adjust its approach, communicate results to funders, and focus efforts on what works best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Nonprofit KPI?

A Nonprofit KPI is a measurable metric used to track an organization's progress towards its specific goals and mission.

Why are KPIs important for nonprofits?

KPIs help nonprofits assess their effectiveness, demonstrate accountability, and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes.

How do I choose the right KPIs for my nonprofit?

Select KPIs that align with your mission, strategic goals, and are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Can Keela help me track nonprofit KPIs?

Yes, Keela provides tools for setting, tracking, and analyzing KPIs through customizable reports and dashboards.

Related Terms

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