Try This First: A 4-Step Year-End Giving Plan
- Chris B.
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
For me, year-end giving season was always an anxious time. There's that creeping feeling that your year-end giving strategies aren't enough - or that you should be doing something more. There's so much out there about year-end giving (advice, webinars, workshops, tips, tricks, etc.) that it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
But like all fundraising, starting is the hardest part. If you're not sure how to get a year-end giving strategy up and running, here are four things you can do today to get started.
WHO. Use your data and look for donors that gave last year around this time. That's not a prediction or a guarantee, but it's a good place to start.
WHAT. Be specific about what you are asking for. Don't ask for support when you really want a donation. For that matter, don't ask for a donation when you really want a monthly donation. Be as specific as possible when making this ask.
WHY. Remember, the date on the calendar isn't the most important thing to share with your donors. It’s your why. Why this mission, why this way? Tell the story of the future - of the work you are going to do for the cause, and invite your donors to join you.
HOW. One email does not equal a campaign. You may have poured your heart and soul into a year-end email, but it's still just a single email. Block time on your calendar to make follow up calls, send additional emails, etc.
Take your WHO, figure out your WHAT for each of them. Get ready with your WHY. And be clear about HOW you are going to reach to these folks (spoiler alert: pick up the phone)!
And that's a year-end strategy.
Now, for 2026 - we can do more for a year-end campaign. That's where we can build a deeper outreach plan, an inclusive stewardship plan, and move you from "oh no" to "here we go!"
Maybe 2026 is the year you decide it's time to do more for your mission - by aligning and accelerating your fundraising. Ready? Use the link below to schedule a meeting
Ready for more? I'm leading a webinar on November 12 - Unlocking Board Potential: Activating Volunteers for Fundraising Success. Click here to learn more and to register!.
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