Lapsed Donor
A lapsed donor is someone who previously gave to your nonprofit but has not donated within a defined period, typically 12-24 months.
A lapsed donor is an individual who has given to your nonprofit in the past but has not made a donation within a defined period — most organizations use 12-24 months as the threshold. Lapsed donors represent both a challenge (lost revenue) and an opportunity (they already know and supported your mission).
Why It Matters for Fundraising
Reactivating lapsed donors is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. A lapsed donor has already demonstrated affinity for your cause — they just stopped giving. Understanding why donors lapse (moved, forgot, felt unappreciated, budget changed) helps you design targeted re-engagement campaigns that win them back.
Re-engagement Strategies
Effective lapsed donor campaigns include personalized "we miss you" communications, impact updates showing what's happened since their last gift, special offers or matching gift opportunities, surveys asking why they stopped giving, and phone calls from staff or board members. The key is acknowledging the lapse without guilt-tripping, and giving donors a compelling reason to return.