As we reflect on 2021, there’s no doubt that it’s been another transformative year for nonprofits, fundraisers and charity champions alike. From implementing social-distancing-friendly events, to adjusting to a new version of normal, we’ve seen our community of charity golf changemakers rise above and continue to make incredible impact!

Closing the chapter on the past year, you may be reflecting on how you can carry your wins and lessons from your latest tournament to your next fundraiser in 2022. If so – we’ve got some great tips for you backed by the one thing that doesn’t lie: the numbers!

Double The Donation recently updated their nonprofit fundraising statistics for 2021, releasing valuable info on the changing behaviours of donors, and what’s been working for fundraising over the last year. We sifted through the stats just for you and pulled three takeaways we know you’ll find helpful as you gear up for your next charity tournament.

Without further ado, read on to discover some of the most interesting and up-to-date fundraising stats, and tips for how you can use them to expand your impact for the cause that’s closest to your heart.


1. Online giving grew by 12.1% over the past year

African american woman with light hair typing on a computer showing a donation option

Since the onset of the coronavirus, folks from all walks of life have gotten more accustomed to making online transactions (think: ordering groceries, digital banking). And this fact tells us that donations have certainly been no exception!

...So what does this mean for you?

It’s important to note that your donors are likely getting more comfortable giving via digital avenues – and with the rapid technology adoption culture that’s developed, this isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

To help accommodate this, we suggest ensuring you have an option for your supporters now and into the future to give to and register for your tournament online. Tournament platforms like Event Caddy make it easy to set up an event website in minutes (complete with online registration and a"donate now" button for non-attendees who still want to give to your cause).


2. 30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all annual donations coming in the last three days of the year.

Man's hand handing a woman's hand a red gift card

'Tis this season for giving! Even if your tournament is taking place in the summer months, we like to encourage charity tournament organizers to start promoting their outing early so you have plenty of time to excite and influence potential attendees.

And this stat adds yet another reason to the pot: people tend to feel more generous during the holiday season!

Be sure to embrace the philanthropic spirit of this time of year by creating a holiday-themed campaign for early sign-ups, donations and sponsorships (tournament tickets make for great Christmas gifts, after all!).


3. Female donors are more likely to make a donation because of social media marketing, while male donors are more likely to give because of email messages.

Man tapping on cell phone with blue sharing and direct message bubbles

Depending on how the audience you're targeting identifies, it’s important to ensure you have a good content marketing mix with a variety of social media posts and email blasts to keep your potential supporters engaged in a way that works best for them.

Not sure how to promote your event on social media or email? Click here to download our FREE 1-Year Golf Tournament Content & Communications Calendar packed with ideas that will keep your tournament top-of-mind in your community.

Computer screen showing Event Caddy's tournament marketing and communications calendar


Getting more sponsors, registrations and donations is all about creating a great experience for your community on and off the course. And taking a look at what's working (and what isn’t) is a powerful way to work smarter instead of harder!

We hope these insights help to empower you as you plan your 2022 tournament and continue to give back to the causes that move you. If there’s anything our all-in-one platform (backed by a team of Tournament Specialists) can do to help make your event a success, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or sign up for your free account today.

Cheers to another year of giving back through the game of golf!