These organizations cannot be compared with one another solely on the basis of key figures without also assessing their revenue base and operational structure.

The figures are taken directly from the organizations’ financial statements without any adjustments. For example, this would mean that costs incurred to secure future revenue are not allocated over the revenue period but are expensed in the year they are incurred. The notes to the financial statements and the annual report will often provide clarification.

Fundraising Ratio
The fundraising ratio shows the relationship between funds raised and the costs of fundraising.

The basis for calculation includes only funds raised and does not include the organization’s other sources of income; government grants, membership dues, lottery proceeds, and sales revenue are not included in the calculation.

Fundraising Percentage = (Net Funds Raised / Gross Funds Raised) * 100
Note! Net funds raised are not reported in any financial statements on our website. You can calculate this figure by subtracting fundraising costs from the total gross funds raised.

Alternatively, you can use this method:
Fundraising percentage = (Fundraising costs / Gross funds raised) * 100. Then subtract the result from 100.

Administration Percentage
This percentage indicates the proportion of total available funds that is spent on administration.

Administration refers to the activities carried out to run the organization, including planning, managing, and evaluating the organization’s activities. Keeping administrative costs as low as possible is not a goal in and of itself. Organizations must have an administrative structure that ensures the proper management and use of funds.

Administration Percentage = (Administration Costs / Total Funds Expenditures) * 100

Purpose Percentage
This percentage indicates the proportion of total expenditures that is actually spent on the organization’s stated purpose.
The purpose percentage is a useful key metric for evaluating the operations of a fundraising organization.

Percentage Allocated to the Purpose = (Expenses for the Purpose / Total Funds Spent) * 100