Glossary
Donor Management

Recurring Gift

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 2, 2025

Definition:

A recurring gift is a donation made on a regular schedule, such as monthly, providing ongoing support to a nonprofit.
A recurring gift is a donation that a supporter commits to give at regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually, rather than making a one-time contribution. These gifts are typically facilitated through automated payment methods, allowing donors to provide ongoing support with minimal effort. Recurring gifts help nonprofits establish a stable and predictable source of income, enabling them to better plan and sustain their programs and initiatives. By offering the option for recurring giving, organizations can also deepen donor relationships and increase overall lifetime value by encouraging long-term engagement and loyalty.

Key Takeaways

  • Provides consistent funding for nonprofits
  • Fosters stronger donor relationships
  • Enables better financial planning
  • Simplifies giving for supporters

Why It Matters

Recurring gifts create a reliable funding stream, supporting sustained nonprofit impact and growth.

Real World Example

Imagine a nonprofit that supports animal welfare. A donor signs up to contribute $25 every month through the organization’s recurring gift program. This automated donation provides the nonprofit with a predictable income stream, allowing them to reliably purchase food and supplies for animals in their care. Over a year, the donor’s total impact is $300, far exceeding a typical one-time gift. The donor receives regular updates and acknowledgments, deepening their connection to the cause and increasing the likelihood of long-term support.

How Keela Helps

Keela streamlines the management of recurring gifts by tracking schedules, automating thank-you communications, and providing detailed reporting. With Keela, nonprofits can easily set up, monitor, and nurture recurring donations, ensuring donors stay engaged and valued throughout their giving journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recurring gift?

A recurring gift is a donation that a supporter agrees to make at regular intervals, such as monthly or annually, to a nonprofit organization.

Why are recurring gifts important for nonprofits?

Recurring gifts provide reliable, predictable funding that helps nonprofits plan and sustain their programs more effectively.

How does Keela help manage recurring gifts?

Keela automates recurring gift tracking, communications, and reporting, making it easy for nonprofits to manage and grow their recurring giving programs.

How do donors set up a recurring gift?

Donors can set up recurring gifts through a nonprofit’s online donation form, selecting their preferred giving frequency and payment method.

Related Terms

A/B Test
Accessibility Compliance
Acknowledgement Letter
Address Verification
Affiliation
Archiving Historical Donor Data

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