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Earned Income vs. Contributed Income Ratio Calculator

Analyze revenue diversification across earned income (fees, contracts, sales) and contributed income (donations, grants, events) with a sustainability score and concentration risk assessment.

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What This Calculator Does

This earned income vs. contributed income ratio calculator analyzes non-profit revenue diversification by categorizing all revenue sources into earned income (program fees, contracts, product sales, investment income, rental income) and contributed income (individual donations, foundation grants, government grants, corporate gifts, event revenue). It calculates the earned/contributed ratio, a diversification score based on the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), a financial sustainability rating, and a visual breakdown of each revenue stream as a percentage of total revenue.

The Formula

Earned % = Earned Income / Total Revenue x 100 | Contributed % = Contributed Income / Total Revenue x 100 | HHI = Sum of (Each Stream Share%)^2

Revenue diversification is measured using the HHI, which sums the squared market shares of each revenue stream. A lower HHI indicates better diversification. An HHI below 1,500 with 5+ active streams is considered well diversified. Between 1,500 and 2,500 is moderately diversified. Above 2,500 indicates concentrated risk where the loss of a single funder could threaten operations. The earned/contributed ratio measures financial sustainability: organizations with higher earned income ratios are less dependent on philanthropic support and more resilient to funding fluctuations.

Step-by-Step Example

1

Enter earned income

Program fees: $200,000. Contracts: $150,000. Product sales: $25,000. Investment: $30,000.

2

Enter contributed income

Individual: $180,000. Foundation grants: $120,000. Government: $200,000. Corporate: $50,000. Events: $45,000.

3

Review revenue mix

Total: $1,000,000. Earned: 40.5%. Contributed: 59.5%.

4

Assess diversification

HHI: 1,350. 9 active streams. Well diversified. Moderate sustainability (balanced mix). Largest source: government at 20%.

Real-World Use Cases

Strategic Planning Revenue Analysis

Map your current revenue mix to identify over-reliance on any single source and develop strategies to diversify funding before a funding loss creates a crisis.

Board Financial Education

Help board members understand the difference between earned and contributed income and why revenue diversification matters for organizational sustainability.

Funder Reporting

Many foundation and government funders ask about revenue diversification in grant applications. This analysis provides clear metrics to demonstrate financial health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating government grants as stable earned income. Government funding is contributed income subject to political and budget changes. Organizations with 40%+ government funding face significant concentration risk, especially with shifting federal priorities.

  • Ignoring the cost to generate each revenue stream. Earned income from program fees may have high delivery costs (70-80% of revenue), while a major donor gift may cost only $0.10 per dollar raised. Net revenue per stream matters more than gross.

  • Not planning for funder attrition. Foundation grants typically last 1-3 years. Build a pipeline of prospective funders so that the loss of one grant does not create a budget crisis.

  • Assuming more diversification is always better. Managing 10+ revenue streams requires administrative capacity. Small organizations may be better served with 4-5 strong revenue streams than 10 small ones that each require significant management attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accuracy and Disclaimer

Revenue diversification analysis provides a planning framework based on 2026 non-profit financial benchmarks. The optimal revenue mix depends on your mission, organizational capacity, and market conditions. Consult with a non-profit financial advisor for strategic revenue planning specific to your organization.