It might be the middle of summer, but the smartest fundraisers know that year-end giving success starts months before the first holiday appeal hits inboxes. July is the perfect time to lay the groundwork—clean up your database, refresh your donation pages, and map out campaigns. That way, when Giving Tuesday and December’s generosity arrive, you’re ready to capture every gift.

Nearly one-third of annual donations still come in during December, with a big surge in the final three days of the year. By starting your prep now, you give yourself time to test, refine, and build momentum for the biggest fundraising stretch of the year.

We’ve put together an updated 7-step checklist to help you get ahead, stay organized, and head into the year-end season with confidence.

Well, Giving Tuesday is behind us! Or maybe that’s what you’re thinking. But actually, the most critical stage of the campaign has just begun. While many people are motivated to give to campaigns and causes because of Giving Tuesday's momentum and social pressure, we all know that relationships and authentic connection to the cause are the roots of excellent donor retention.

By following up properly with your Giving Tuesday donors, you can cultivate authentic relationships that continue beyond their initial donation.

Issue 121

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers! This time next week, we will be upon the biggest fundraising day of the year, Giving Tuesday! I’m so excited for you all to witness the payoff of your hard work. I know your Giving Tuesday campaigns are simply fantastic!

In the meantime, scroll on down for this week’s selection of top fundraising content. We have fundraising tips relating to awareness campaigns, donor thank you letters, Google grants, and starting a nonprofit. Enjoy!

You can receive the Fundraising Weekly newsletter each Tuesday by subscribing today!

According to fundraising statistics from Double the Donation, 30% of all charitable giving happens in the month of December, with about 10% of all annual donations coming in the final three days of the year. That means if your team has yet to reach your year-end fundraising goals, you still have time to do so!

We recommend ramping up your strategy with the following tried-and-true best practices.

Issue 114

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers! Don’t get me wrong, I love the fall season, but could we really already be in *checks calendar* October of 2022? Meaning Giving Tuesday is happening next month?? Whew! Luckily, we share some Giving Tuesday tips in this newsletter, with some templates to help you craft your social media game.

Speaking of social media, it seems like nearly all nonprofit fundraising is digital these days, but don’t forget that a physical letter can make all the difference when you’re making a fundraising appeal this holiday season. Here’s how direct mail appeal letters can develop your donor relationship in ways that social media falls short.

Scroll on down for more excellent fundraising content relating to holiday fundraising, Giving Tuesday, nonprofit websites, and more!

You can receive the Fundraising Weekly newsletter each Tuesday by subscribing today!