In this week's edition, we circle back to donations analysis to explore an oft-asked question.

Last month, the Tipsheet's three-part series (I, II, III) explored timing the release of your donations appeal. Today, we're getting a little bit more abstract. Using the entire year's collection of gift data from throughout the DIA universe, we're going to try to get at what a supporter might be expected to contribute ... and as a result, what they're worth to obtain in the first place.

Numbers on the flip.

We'll be delving into a lot more figures -- fundraising and otherwise -- from the DIA network in the weeks ahead, but a champagne (okay, okay ... vodka) hangover on New Year's allows time enough for a quick follow-up to last week's suggested push for donations:

The last five days of 2006 were the five givingest days in DIA's history.

Someone said to me yesterday that they'd noticed Amnesty International put out a fundraising pitch in this idle week between Christmas and New Year's, and thought they were nuts.

No way.

(click for a larger version)

Katya Andresen this week urged people to ask for money before the end of the year with a dramatic chart of Network for Good's daily contributions for the month of December. For a fundraiser, the right time to give is always "now" ... but for donors with an eye on their IRS returns, it's 81 hours and counting to apply their gifts as '06 tax deductions.

"And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball your donor."

In the mood for a bit of dress-up, Katya Andresen declares today "Be Your Donor" Day.

-Call your switchboard and see what happens when you ask for help or information

-Call your 800 number, if you have one, and ask some average questions and make a donation

-Send an email to your nonprofit’s donor services department (if you have one) and see if you get a cordial response