Fundraising Tip: Make Every Day in December Count

2025 will be here before you know it.

If you are in nonprofit fundraising, December is a busy month. According to Nonprofit Source, 30% of all giving happens in December, with 10% of annual giving occurring in the last three days of the year.

For many nonprofits, the number is more than 30%.

A lot of your year-end work is already done. Most have mailed their first, or only, direct mail piece, and e-appeals have begun being sent. With Giving Tuesday happening in December this year, even more asks will go out from organizations wanting to ride the coattails of the single biggest day of giving.

I typically take the week of Thanksgiving off. This means I am well-rested for December and ready to take it on.

Day by day.

Each day I have tasks set to accomplish so I don’t end up at the end of the month wondering what happened with all of the time.

That’s what this post is all about. It’s a gentle reminder to take advantage of each day in December.

If you haven’t sent e-appeals yet, start sending them.

Create a list of all donors you want to hear from (receive a donation from) by the end of the year and mark them off as a donation arrives.

Keep that list updated, and as you get into the middle of the month, begin personal connections with donors to ask about a year-end donation.

Make time for thank yous, however your organization does those.

Make time for a walk, or an opportunity to get out of the office. Plan good meals.

Keep up good, transparent communication with your team, your ED/CEO, and the board. If you need help, ask. Most know how busy this time of year is and are happy to help.

Keep in touch with those in programs and continue sharing as many stories as possible.

I always schedule calls to donors in the last week of the year. Especially to those who typically give in December but you haven’t heard from yet.

The main thing is to keep doing all you know how to do, each day. Don’t stop. We can’t get time back, and those you serve depend on you.

Have a wonderful December!

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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your colleagues. Be kind.