3 Smart Data Moves to Boost Your Fundraising This Summer

What savvy nonprofits are doing now to win fall fundraising. 

Written by Erin Boyce: Data and Digital Director

Summer might feel slower than your usual year-end sprint (if “slow” even exists in nonprofit life), but smart fundraising teams know it’s the perfect time to get organized, make strategic updates, and set themselves up for success. With a bit of focus now, you can build cleaner systems, improve your reporting, and strengthen donor relationships - all before the fall rush begins.  

Here are three practical steps that can make a real difference:  

1. Take Inventory of Your Donor Data  

We know - data work isn’t the most exciting task. But if your data is messy now, it can create major headaches later. Taking time to review and clean up your donor records over the summer can save hours during reporting season - and help you make better decisions when it counts.  

Start here: 

• Run a donation data report to spot errors or gaps - like missing campaign codes, incorrect accounting codes, or gifts missing fund designations.  
• Check your online forms. Are all the right fields marked as required? Are campaign codes current? Is everything syncing properly to your CRM?  
• Be consistent. If you’re using a data field like fund designation, GL code or donation source, make sure it’s used every time. Inconsistent entries make reporting harder than it needs to be.  
• Make regular check-ins a habit. The more often you review your data, the easier it is to spot and fix issues before they become major problems.  

Clean data = clearer insights, easier reconciliation with finance, and more targeted communications with your donors.  

2. Remove Duplicate Donor Records

Duplicate donor records are more common than you might think. A donor uses a nickname on one gift, changes their email on another, or enters a different mailing address - and suddenly, you’ve got three versions of the same person.  

Why this matters:  

•   You might miss giving patterns or lapsed donors if records are split.  
•   CRMs often charge based on record count—so duplicates can cost you.  
•   You risk sending multiple thank-you messages for one gift (not a great look).  

Use your CRM’s duplicate-checking tool regularly and merge duplicate profiles to create one clean, complete donor record. It’s a simple task that keeps your data—and donor stewardship—on track.  

3. Refresh Your Thank-You Letters and Receipts 

Your thank-you messages do a lot of heavy lifting. But when was the last time you updated them?  

Summer is a great time to take a fresh look at your communication templates:  

•   Are they warm, personal, and aligned with your mission?  
•   Do they mention recent impact, campaigns, or milestones?  
•   Would they still feel meaningful to a long-time, repeat donor?  

Donors notice thoughtful messages. A well-crafted thank-you reinforces their decision to give - and helps build loyalty over time. A quick summer refresh now can help your fall and year-end communications feel more engaging and sincere.  

Final Thoughts  

These tasks may not be flashy, but they’re powerful. Summer is a golden opportunity to get ahead. Clean up your data, streamline your systems, and fine-tune the way you say thanks.  

A little effort now sets the stage for stronger donor engagement and more effective fundraising in the busy months ahead.  

Less stress in the fall? Yes, please.  

Ready to boost your fundraising this summer? 

Start by taking a fresh look at your donor data and communication templates today. If you want expert help making these smart moves – from cleaning up your CRM to crafting heartfelt thank-you messages – let's connect! 

At The Fundraising Lab, we specialize in helping nonprofits get organized and strategic so you can focus on what matters most: building lasting relationships with your donors and hitting your goals. 

Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and get your summer fundraising glow-up underway. 

Happy fundraising!