Updated September 20, 2016
Tips and Tools to Maximize Year-End Giving
For many nonprofits, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is a make-it-or-break-it time for fundraising. According to Charity Navigator, some charities bring in as much as 40 percent of their annual revenue during the so-called Giving Season. And as the clock ticks closer to December 31, giving accelerates as donors make last-minute gifts to take advantage of tax deductions for donations to charities.
It may still seem like a ways off, but the time to plan your charity’s year-end campaign is already upon us. Start thinking about what you can do to break through the noise online on November 29, the date of this year’s Giving Tuesday. Plot out your deadlines for working with a direct-mail company. And make sure you involve all relevant parties in your organization, so that all campaign elements complement one another.
Here is a collection of resources to help you plan and carry out a strong end-of-year fundraising campaign.
Article
January 28, 2014
Year-End Fundraising Examples and Ideas
As groups think ahead to their next year-end giving campaigns, it helps to look at holiday-season drives that have worked in the past.
Template
August 02, 2016
A Timeline for Planning a Year-End Campaign
A tool to map out steps to take for a successful year-end fundraising campaign, online and off.
Article
November 11, 2012
Tips for Successful Year-End Appeals
Emphasize online gifts on the very last days of the year, when donations spike.
Checklist
February 27, 2015
Schedule: Deadlines for Working With a Direct-Mail Company
The requirements and timeline for sending a solicitation to donors with help from a company specializing in the process.
Article
November 10, 2014
4 Ways to Win Over Year-End Donors
Nearly a quarter of household charitable giving happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Here's how to set your nonprofit apart from the pack.
Webinar
Year-End Campaigns: Strategies that Work
Plan now and enjoy strong fourth-quarter fundraising returns. Join us for an online session that will offer fresh ideas for bolstering your year-end fundraising. We’ll share examples of approaches that worked at other nonprofits, offer tips for integrating direct-mail and online giving, and share strategies to help you plan a strong campaign to close 2015.
Article
October 05, 2014
Personalized Pitches and Online Appeals Dominate Year-End Drives
Some nonprofits are starting early on their campaigns and pointing donors to results of their giving.
Article
March 23, 2014
From Billboards to Bus Shelters to Email, Charities Try One Message
A growing number of charities are connecting separate strands of fundraising into unified campaigns and getting strong financial results.
Article
December 18, 2014
Social-Service Groups Try Creative Holiday-Season Fundraising Tactics
Spice rubs, donor "elves," and personalized letters are all part of the mix as charities seek to boost year-end giving.
Article
January 20, 2015
Lessons From Year-End Giving
Use a variety of techniques, and consider placing ads on Facebook or Google.
Article
January 28, 2014
Year-End Fundraising Examples and Ideas
As groups think ahead to their next year-end giving campaigns, it helps to look at holiday-season drives that have worked in the past.
Tool Kit
September 02, 2015
On Give Local America Day: How to Plan and Participate in a ‘Giving Day’ Event
Case studies, tips, and tools to help your nonprofit make the most of a 24-hour crowdfunding campaign.
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