Stack ranking isn’t just a buzzword from the business world. It’s a powerful tool nonprofit leaders can use to answer the question we all get from funders, board members, and even ask ourselves: “Are we making the most impact with the limited resources we have?”
For years, I’ve watched Executive Directors, Fundraisers and CFOs wrestle with how to tell their story in a way that is compelling and backed by numbers. The truth is, without a system to compare programs side-by-side, you're relying on gut feeling and emotional connection. That doesn’t fly in today’s funding environment.
What Is Stack Ranking, Really?
Stack ranking is a way to systematically prioritize your nonprofit’s programs based on specific, mission-aligned criteria.
The Fundraising Accountant Stack Ranking Calculator makes this easier than ever - It’s a tool that can help measure which programs help further your unique mission the most! This is one of the exercises we worked through in our recent weekly breakout session in the Fundraising Accountant Community.
Here's an example of how one community member evaluated their programs:
- Does this program improve the quality of services for existing clients?
- Can it help us serve more clients?
- Is this something no one else in our community is doing?
- Are there intangible benefits—like safety, dignity, or well-being—that don't show up in numhers but matter deeply?
- Does it bring in money, either through donations or earned income?
Each question forces a level of honesty that’s often missing in traditional program evaluations. This isn’t just about dollars in and out. It’s about mission return on investment.
Why Now?
Competition for donor dollars has never been intense as it is today. Funders are more sophisticated. They want to see impact per dollar spent.
Stack ranking helps you shift the conversation from "here's what we do" to "here's the value we create."
It also gives you a way to say no.
I’ve worked with too many nonprofit leaders who keep underperforming programs alive out of loyalty or inertia. The result? Overworked staff, diluted impact, and missed funding opportunities.
What You Can Do Today
If you're tired of writing grant proposals without meaningful program metrics, or if you dread board meetings because your program strategy doesn't match your financial reports, start with stack ranking.
You don’t need to be a data scientist. Just start asking these questions above about each program. Then, use the Stack Ranking Calculator to compare.
This tool has already helped dozens of organizations:
- Make tough decisions with clarity
- Build a stronger case for support
- Align program goals with your donor story
Bottom line: If your numbers can’t tell the story of your impact, your funders will go elsewhere. Stack ranking puts you back in the driver’s seat.
If you want to get your organization to the next level, now is the time to join the Fundraising Accountant Community.
You’ll not only get access to the calculator, and training on how to figure out which programs best impact your mission, you’ll also get guidance from peers and support to make your numbers work for your mission.
Let’s make your programs shine—and make this your best year-end ever!
