Growth Trends in the Prime Donor Population

The population in the prime fundraising age of 55-85 is expected to grow over the next 40 years, as the following graph based on U.S. Census projections shows. (Click the graph to enlarge.)

The profile of the growth is worth noting. The population grows steadily over the entire period. Not a single year of decline. For the last 10 years we’ve enjoyed a healthy period of donor population growth. The annual rate was between 2% and 3%. Fortunately, that rate of growth is expected to continue until 2019. The following graph shows the annual rate of growth more clearly.

Beginning in 2020, the annual rate of growth will slow dramatically and move to the 0.6% to 0.7% range. Organizations will be competing more fiercely for donors to fuel the growth goals in the future.

Stay tuned for more observations and thoughts in future weekly updates.