Glossary
Revenue & Donations

Recurring Donation

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

A recurring donation is a scheduled, ongoing financial gift from a donor, processed automatically at regular intervals.
A recurring donation is a financial contribution made by a donor on a regular, ongoing schedule, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually, rather than as a one-time gift. These donations are typically processed automatically through electronic payment methods like credit cards or bank transfers. Recurring donations are often set up through nonprofit websites or fundraising platforms, enabling donors to support causes they care about with minimal ongoing effort. For nonprofits, recurring donations provide a steady, predictable stream of revenue, making budgeting and planning easier. They also foster long-term relationships between organizations and their supporters, increasing donor retention and lifetime giving.

Key Takeaways

  • Recurring donations provide predictable income for nonprofits.
  • They are set up to repeat automatically on a set schedule.
  • Foster stronger donor relationships and increase retention.
  • Managed easily through platforms like Aplos.

Why It Matters

Recurring donations ensure reliable income and help nonprofits plan for the future.

Real World Example

A local animal shelter launches a 'Monthly Heroes' program encouraging supporters to donate $25 each month. By signing up online, donors authorize automatic credit card payments, ensuring the shelter receives steady funding for food, medical care, and shelter operations. Over the year, the shelter can count on these recurring donations to cover essential expenses, reduce fundraising pressure, and build ongoing relationships with their most dedicated supporters. The simplicity and reliability of the recurring donation setup allows the organization to focus more on its mission and less on constantly seeking one-time gifts.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos enables nonprofits to easily set up, track, and manage recurring donations, integrating automated payments directly into your accounting and donor management systems. With Aplos, organizations can simplify donor communication, generate receipts, and gain insights into recurring revenue trends, all from a single platform.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recurring donation?

A recurring donation is a scheduled, repeat gift from a donor, automatically processed at regular intervals such as monthly or annually.

Why are recurring donations important for nonprofits?

They provide predictable revenue, improve budgeting, and help build long-term relationships with donors.

How can Aplos help manage recurring donations?

Aplos offers tools to set up, track, and manage recurring donations, with automated payments and integrated donor management features.

Can donors change or cancel their recurring donations?

Yes, most platforms, including Aplos, allow donors to update or cancel their recurring donation schedules easily.