As Chief Development Officers, you’re constantly balancing strategy, resources and results all in pursuit of one key question: what actually moves the fundraising needle? 

In 2025, we analyzed Radiothon performance across our network to better understand what’s driving growth and where we may be over-investing without meaningful return. Here’s what we found: 

The Three Biggest Drivers of Fundraising Growth 

1. Pre-Campaign Events: A Major Opportunity 

Markets that hosted a pre-campaign event with a clear ask saw an average 160% increase in fundraising. Early engagement isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. Creating momentum before the campaign begins activates donors, partners and your community in a meaningful way that fuels life-changing care for kids. 

What this means for you: Prioritize pre-campaign touchpoints. Even simple, well-executed events can yield outsized returns. 

2. Shopping Lists: Connecting Donors to Impact 

Radiothons that used a hospital’s wish list as a “shopping list” saw an average 40% increase in fundraising. When donors see exactly how their dollars support the local children’s hospital, they feel more connected to the cause. Specificity strengthens both engagement and giving. 

What this means for you: Make impact tangible. The clearer the outcome, the stronger the response. 

3. Sponsorship: Focus on Growth, Not Ownership 

Sponsorship dollars remain critical, but the data shows that whether they are secured by the foundation or by the media partner does not impact overall performance. 

What this means for you: Focus less on “who” secures the funds and more on maximizing total sponsorship revenue and strengthening those community partnerships. 

The Bottom Line 

The highest-performing strategies: 

• Engage donors early to build upward momentum. 

• Clearly demonstrate impact through tangible hospital needs. 

• Focus on meaningful tactics, not expensive ones.  

As you plan for the year ahead, consider where you can reallocate resources toward proven drivers.  

Have questions or want to scale these insights in your market? Your Media Director is a great partner in bringing these insights to life and shaping a strategy that fits your goals.