How do I create a donor leveling structure?

Designing Your Donor Leveling Program 

Define your membership categories 

1. List all the membership or donor levels your organization uses 

2. Arrange them in hierarchical order (from highest to lowest) 

Establish criteria for each level 

1. Determine qualifying donation amounts for each level 

2. Consider timeframes (calendar year, fiscal year, anniversary date) 

3. Decide if other factors should influence level assignment (donation frequency, specific funds, etc.) 

Identify special cases 

1. Determine which levels should be "sticky" (permanent regardless of future giving) 

2. Consider if certain donors should be excluded from automatic level changes 

3. Decide if you need multiple donor level groups for different programs 

4. Prepare information for implementation 

Document all criteria for each level 

2. Note any badges you want associated with specific levels 

3. Share your documentation with your Account Manager or Client Services team for implementation 

Review and refine 

1. Once implemented, review how contacts are being categorized 

2. Adjust criteria as needed through your professional services contact