Soapbox Engage Blog

Summer might be a slower season for some, but for savvy fundraisers, it’s a golden opportunity to engage donors in fresh and creative ways.

Whether you're planning a fun event or sending out seasonal appeals, incorporating strategies like matching gifts can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll share easy-to-implement tips to help your nonprofit make the most of summer giving. These include:

1. Running a seasonal fundraising campaign.
2. Making matching gifts a priority.
3. Getting the most out of your volunteers’ support.
4. Engaging donors via multichannel outreach.
5. Encouraging corporate involvement.

With longer days, community events, and a more relaxed vibe, summer offers the perfect setting to try new fundraising ideas—and boost donations with minimal stress. Let’s begin!

1. Run a seasonal fundraising campaign.

A well-crafted seasonal fundraising campaign can capture the relaxed spirit of summer while encouraging donors to support your cause. One of the best ways to run a summer campaign is to create a theme that resonates with the season—something fun and engaging that connects with your donors' lifestyles. For example, you could launch a "Sunshine Drive," encouraging donations that brighten your organization's impact, or a "Summer of Giving" campaign that stretches throughout the season.

Summer is also a time when people are often more engaged with outdoor activities, so integrating fun incentives like t-shirts, water bottles, or event tickets for those who donate or share your campaign could encourage participation.

By creating a seasonal fundraising campaign that plays to the strengths of the summer season, you can build excitement and inspire your community to come together in support of your cause.

2. Make matching gifts a priority.

Matching gifts are one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your fundraising efforts, and summer is the perfect time to make them a priority. Tons of companies offer matching gift programs to their employees, but unfortunately, many donors aren’t aware of this benefit. By emphasizing matching gifts during your summer fundraising campaign, you can significantly increase the funds raised without needing to ask for additional donations.

Start by educating your donors on matching gift opportunities. Include a prominent call-to-action on your website, in your emails, and across your social media platforms, reminding supporters to check if their employers offer matching gifts. Make it easy by providing a simple tool or link where donors can search for participating companies and get detailed instructions on how to submit their matching gift requests.

The key to successfully leveraging matching gifts is to make it as simple and accessible as possible for your donors. With clear instructions and regular reminders, you'll empower your supporters to take full advantage of matching gift opportunities, thereby amplifying their generosity and helping your summer fundraising campaign reach new heights.

3. Get the most out of your volunteers’ support.

This summer, take your volunteer engagement to the next level by encouraging supporters to tap into corporate volunteer incentives, such as Volunteer Grants or Dollars for Doers programs. Many companies offer these incentives to encourage staff to volunteer by donating money for each hour an employee volunteers. Don’t let those dollars go to waste!

Encourage your volunteers to check with their employers about available volunteer incentives and make it easy for them to get involved. You can include a reminder in your volunteer onboarding materials, or even send out a targeted email campaign to your existing volunteer base, explaining how they can make their time even more impactful.

During your summer fundraising events, let your volunteers know that their hours can be converted into matching funds. Not only will this encourage more volunteers to participate, but it will also increase the total donations raised during your event.

4. Engage donors via multichannel outreach.

One of the keys to successful summer fundraising is reaching your donors where they are. This means engaging them through a variety of communication channels.

By using a multichannel outreach strategy, you ensure that your message is seen by as many people as possible, increasing the likelihood of receiving donations and building excitement around your campaign.

For the best results, we recommend utilizing as many of the following channels as possible:

• Your website
• Email
• Social media
• Text message
• Direct mail

By combining these channels, you increase the chances of reaching different segments of your donor base and keep your message in front of them throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, regular, varied outreach also helps to maintain momentum and build excitement, ensuring your donors stay engaged and ready to support your cause.

5. Encourage corporate involvement.

Summer fundraising campaigns are a great opportunity to engage corporate partners and leverage their resources for your cause. Many businesses are looking for ways to give back to their communities, especially during the summer months when employees may have more availability for volunteering or community-focused initiatives. By encouraging corporate involvement, you not only enhance the financial impact of your campaign but also build lasting partnerships with companies that can help support your nonprofit year-round.

Start by reaching out to companies that align with your mission or have a strong local presence. Even better? Targeting your existing supporters’ employers can help you get your foot in the door! Offer them various ways to get involved, whether through sponsorships, matching gift opportunities, or volunteer engagement. For example, invite businesses to sponsor specific elements of your event (like food, entertainment, or a raffle) in exchange for visibility and recognition.

By fostering relationships with corporations and encouraging their involvement in your summer fundraising efforts, you’re building a foundation for long-term support. Corporate partnerships can amplify the success of your campaign, increase the visibility of your nonprofit, and provide critical resources to help achieve your goals.

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Wrapping Up: Make This Summer Count For More

Summer fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart strategies—like promoting matching gifts, hosting seasonal events, and optimizing your outreach—you can keep donations flowing all season long. The key is to keep it simple, fun, and donor-friendly. Start incorporating the ideas from this list, and you might be surprised how much momentum you can build before fall rolls around.