What are Lybunt and Sybunt in Fundraising?

Many terms and abbreviations can seem confusing in fundraising. Among these terms, LYBUNT and SYBUNT are often mentioned. These words might sound a bit strange at first, but they are common in discussions about donor retention. 

If you've ever been involved in fundraising or are curious about how charities and non-profits keep track of their supporters, then understanding these terms can be helpful. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what LYBUNT and SYBUNT mean and why they matter for your nonprofit.

Definitions of LYBUNT and SYBUNT

In fundraising, "LYBUNT" and "SYBUNT" are important terms used to identify groups of donors based on their past donation patterns. These terms help non-profit organizations understand and manage their donor relationships effectively.

LYBUNT

"LYBUNT" stands for "Last Year But Unfortunately Not This Year." 

It refers to donors who made a donation last year but have not made any donations this year. It is an important group of donors because they recently showed support and might still have a strong connection to the organization. 

Recognizing LYBUNT donors helps the organization to specifically reach out to them, perhaps to remind them to donate again or to find out why they haven't donated this year.

SYBUNT

"SYBUNT" stands for "Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year." 

This term refers to donors who have donated in some previous years but did not donate in the current year. Unlike LYBUNT donors, SYBUNT donors may not have given recently but have shown support at some point in the past. 

This group requires a different engagement strategy since their connection to the organization might not be as strong or recent.

Why are LYBUNT and SYBUNT Important in Fundraising?

Keeping donors involved and giving regularly is a big challenge for nonprofits. This is where LYBUNT and SYBUNT come in handy. 

Donor Retention

Keeping donors engaged is the backbone of a fundraising organization. LYBUNT and SYBUNT help identify people who have given before but haven't donated recently. 

By spotting these former donors, organizations can reach out to them again, remind them of their valuable support in the past, and encourage them to start donating again.

Customized Outreach

Knowing whether someone is a LYBUNT or SYBUNT helps you personalize your messages to them. 

For example, you might remind a LYBUNT donor about what their donations achieved last year and invite them to contribute to a new project. 

For SYBUNT donors, you might share updates on changes or progress since they last donated.

Insights into Donor Behavior

Analyzing LYBUNT and SYBUNT data can reveal patterns in how donors behave. Maybe many donors tend to give during certain times of the year or lose interest after a specific event. 

Understanding these patterns can help your organization make better decisions about when and how to ask for donations.

Strategic Planning

With insights from LYBUNT and SYBUNT analysis, your organization can plan better for the future. 

You might decide to focus more on winning back previous donors or adjust your fundraising events and campaigns based on what has worked well in the past.

Improved Resource Allocation

Knowing who is likely to donate again (and who is not) helps you use your resources wisely. Instead of spending time and money on broad, general fundraising efforts, you can focus on targeted campaigns that are more likely to succeed. 

It makes your fundraising efforts more efficient and cost-effective.

How to Create LYBUNT and SYBUNT Reports?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create LYBUNT and SYBUNT reports using a CRM system.

1. Choose the Right CRM Software: Make sure your CRM can handle donor data and create customized reports. Some popular CRMs used in fundraising include Salesforce, Blackbaud, and DonorPerfect.

2. Gather and Input Data: Before you can create any reports, your CRM needs to have all the necessary donor information. This includes details like donation dates, amounts, and donor contact information. Make sure all data is up to date.

3. Set Up the Report Parameters:

• For LYBUNT reports, set the parameter to include donors who gave last year but have not given this year.
• For SYBUNT reports, adjust the parameters to include donors who have given in some past years but not in the current year.

4. Customize the Fields: Decide what information you want to see in the report. Common fields include donor name, last donation date, last donation amount, and contact details. Adding fields like communication history can also be helpful.

5. Generate the Report: Use your CRM’s reporting tool to generate the report. This usually involves selecting the report type, defining the criteria, and choosing the output format (like PDF or Excel).

6. Analyze the Report: Look at the report to see who hasn’t donated recently. Check for any trends or patterns that might explain why these donors stopped giving.

7. Use the Report for Outreach: Use the information from the report to plan your outreach strategies. 

8. Track Responses and Update Data: After reaching out, track which donors respond and update their records in the CRM. It helps keep your data fresh and ensures accuracy for future reports.

Tips for Re-Engaging LYBUNTs and SYBUNTs

• Address each donor by name, remind them of their last donation, and share how it has helped advance your cause. Personal connections can spark renewed interest.
• Contact donors through various methods—emails, direct mail, and phone calls. Different donors have different communication preferences, so reaching out in multiple ways increases your chances of reconnecting.
• Inform them about how their previous donations were used and the specific impacts made. Help donors see the value of their contributions and encourage them to donate again.
• Send invitations to upcoming events. Whether these are in-person gatherings or online meetups, they reconnect donors with your community and mission.
• Mention that you've noticed their absence and that you miss their support. Keep the tone respectful and understanding. Steer clear of any guilt-inducing messages.
• Share what’s new with your organization. Highlight recent successes or upcoming projects they might be interested in.
• After your initial outreach, follow up within a few weeks. Always try to keep the dialogue going.

The Power of LYBUNT and SYBUNT in Fundraising

The terms LYBUNT and SYBUNT might sound a bit strange at first, but they hold the key to unlocking potential donations for your nonprofit. 

These aren't just quirky acronyms, they represent a real opportunity to reignite interest among donors who may have stepped back due to their busy lives or simply forgotten to contribute.

By identifying LYBUNTs and SYBUNTs, you have a starting point to reconnect. These labels help you understand who might need a little nudge or a reminder of the good their donations can do.

Remember that every past donor has a story and a reason for their initial support. Rekindling that connection could be just the spark needed to inspire a new wave of generosity. 

Keep the dialogue going, personalize your outreach, and let your donors know just how much their help is needed and appreciated.