Determining the True Cost of Fundraising

The ability to accurately calculate expenses for activities decreases greatly from events to annual fund to major gifts, and especially with planned gifts, Lowstetter said.

“But the answer is in how transparent you can be,” he added.

An integral part of transparency and determining the true cost of raising funds is team work. Appel said nonprofits’ development and finance offices must work together to develop and grow their working relationships.