Today’s donors are more discerning than ever. They don’t just want to support causes that do good—they want to partner with organizations that do good responsibly. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s an expectation. And when donors evaluate your impact, they’re not only asking what you’re doing but how you’re doing it.
Whether you’re hosting a major fundraising gala, a community event, or operating year-round initiatives, understanding and reporting the right sustainability metrics can strengthen donor trust, attract corporate partnerships, and position your organization as a leader in ethical impact.
Let’s look at the sustainability metrics your donors care most about—and how to measure them effectively.
1. Waste Reduction and Diversion Rates
Donors want to know that you’re minimizing waste and managing resources responsibly.
Key metrics include:
Percentage of waste diverted from landfills (through recycling or composting)
Total event waste per attendee or per dollar raised
Reusable vs. single-use materials (for catering, signage, giveaways, etc.)
For events, share simple visuals or stats post-event—like “92% of event waste diverted from landfill” or “All signage reused or recycled.” Numbers speak volumes.
2. Carbon Footprint and Emissions
Corporate and individual donors alike are increasingly carbon-conscious. Measuring your carbon footprint—and your plan to offset it—shows your commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
Track metrics such as:
Total CO₂ emissions (from travel, energy, and materials)
Emissions per attendee
Offset percentage achieved (through verified carbon offset programs)
Bonus tip: If you’re hosting hybrid or regional events, highlight the emissions reduction achieved through reduced travel.
3. Local Sourcing and Economic Impact
Donors love to see sustainability paired with community impact. Show how your purchasing power supports the local economy by tracking:
Percentage of goods and services sourced locally
Number of local or minority-owned vendors used
Economic value returned to the community
This not only enhances your sustainability report—it reinforces your organization’s holistic impact.
4. Energy and Water Efficiency
Transparency around energy and water use demonstrates operational accountability.
Report metrics such as:
Total kWh used and percentage from renewable sources
Water usage per event or project
Reduction in energy consumption year-over-year
These data points show your donors that sustainability isn’t a one-time initiative—it’s embedded in your operations.
5. Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Transparency
Donors increasingly care about ethical sourcing—from merchandise to catering to print materials. Metrics might include:
Percentage of certified sustainable products purchased (e.g., FSC-certified paper, Fair Trade coffee)
Supplier sustainability scores or audits completed
Reduction in non-sustainable vendors
When possible, tell the story behind these choices—“We selected XYZ Printing for their 100% renewable energy facility”—to make your numbers relatable and human.
6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Metrics
Sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s social. Donors expect to see commitment to equity and inclusion as part of a broader sustainability strategy. Track and share:
Diversity of vendors, speakers, and partners
Accessibility measures implemented at events
Equitable compensation and community engagement efforts
These metrics reflect the integrity of your mission and deepen donor alignment with your values.
7. Long-Term Impact Measurement
Finally, sustainability isn’t only about inputs and processes—it’s about outcomes. Donors want to see how your sustainability practices create lasting change.
Report on:
Annual improvement percentages across metrics
Sustainability goals met or exceeded
Stories of change that connect data with human impact
Pairing quantitative data with qualitative stories turns metrics into meaning.
Bringing It All Together
Collecting sustainability data can seem daunting, but start simple. Identify two or three key metrics that align most closely with your mission, track them consistently, and share your results with transparency and pride.
Your donors don’t expect perfection—they expect progress. The more clearly you communicate your sustainability journey, the more confident they’ll feel investing in your organization’s future.
Ready to make your next event or initiative more sustainable?
At Riggs & Co., we help organizations integrate sustainability into every phase of event strategy—from vendor selection to impact reporting. Let’s make your next gathering both purposeful and planet-friendly.
📩 Book a Strategy Call to get started.