Why Data-Driven Fundraising & Oct QCD Appeals Go Hand In Hand
September 22, 2025
As the year winds down, nonprofit organizations are gearing up for the most critical fundraising season of the year — the final quarter. A key ingredient for success? Data. Leveraging donor data helps nonprofits connect more meaningfully with supporters, especially as end-of-year giving ramps up. And with October upon us, there’s an important opportunity not to overlook: retirees planning their Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).
Data Connects You to the Right Donors For Increased Revenue
End-of-year campaigns often see a surge in donations, but casting a wide net without strategy leaves potential on the table. Clean, segmented, and actionable data allows you to:
Personalize your messaging based on donor behavior and preferences
Identify lapsed donors and tailor re-engagement appeals
Spot major donor prospects and QCD-eligible supporters
When donors feel seen and understood, they’re more likely to give — and to give generously.
October: The Quietly Crucial Month for QCDs
For donors aged 70½ and older, QCDs offer a tax-savvy way to support the causes they love. These IRA distributions can be donated directly to a nonprofit without counting as taxable income. Many retirees begin planning their QCDs in October, giving your organization a unique opportunity to reach out now — before the inbox clutter of November and December. I once had a donor tell me in December when we were running a $25,000 van campaign, “why didn’t you tell me you needed this in Oct? I would have paid for it in full through my QCD!”
Lesson Learned: Use your donor data to identify age-eligible supporters and begin sending targeted QCD messaging today.
Don’t Wait — The Clock Is Ticking
Data doesn’t just help you raise more money — it helps you raise smarter. And timing matters. By combining intelligent data use with early outreach, especially around QCDs, your organization can maximize revenue and deepen donor relationships as 2026 approaches.
~J. Mulcahy
