December is one of the most critical months for fundraising. With the holiday spirit in the air
and year-end tax deadlines approaching, donors are often more generous and motivated to give. To make the most of this giving season, nonprofits need a strategic approach to stand out amidst the holiday noise. Here are some tips to supercharge your fundraising efforts this December.
Run a Holiday Giving Campaign
December is the perfect time to tie your fundraising efforts to the season of giving. Whether it’s a “Holiday Cheer Drive” or “Season of Hope Campaign,” create a festive theme that resonates with your mission.
Ideas:
Gift Matching: Partner with a sponsor or major donor to match contributions dollar-for-dollar.
Give in Honor: Offer options for supporters to donate in someone’s honor as a holiday gift. Provide personalized e-cards or certificates for them to share with loved ones.
Tell Impactful Stories
The holiday season is all about emotions, and storytelling can connect your donors to your cause. Share stories of individuals or communities who have benefited from your programs, illustrating the tangible impact of donor contributions.
Tip for Storytelling:
Pair each story with compelling visuals, such as photos or short videos, to evoke empathy and drive action.
Focus on Online Giving
With people busy and shopping online, digital fundraising plays a key role in December. Make sure your donation page is user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and secure. Highlight suggested donation amounts and describe what each level of giving can achieve.
Consider Adding:
Recurring Gift Options: Encourage donors to make their holiday gift an ongoing monthly contribution.
Easy Sharing Features: Include buttons to share their donation on social media, amplifying your reach.
Leverage Year-End Giving Deadlines
Remind your supporters that charitable donations made by December 31 can count toward their tax deductions for the year. Craft clear, concise messaging that emphasizes this deadline across email campaigns, social media, and your website.
Make Donor Appreciation a Priority
December is an ideal time to thank your supporters for their generosity throughout the year. Send personalized thank-you notes, emails, or even a short video from your team expressing gratitude.
Creative Ways to Say Thanks:
Share behind-the-scenes updates or a “Year in Review” infographic.
Record your board members or staff saying "thank you" and post on your socials
Engage Your Board and Volunteers
Your board members and volunteers can be some of your most effective ambassadors during the giving season. Encourage them to share your campaign with their networks or participate in peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.
Utilize Social Media for Real-Time Updates
Social media is a powerful tool to keep your audience engaged and informed throughout December. Post regularly about your campaign progress, share stories, and celebrate milestones to keep the momentum going.
Quick Tip:
Create holiday-themed graphics or videos to grab attention in crowded social feeds.
Be Transparent About Your Goals
Donors want to know where their money is going. Set clear, measurable goals for your December fundraising efforts, and update your supporters on your progress. Use thermometers, milestones, or other visuals to keep them motivated to help you reach the finish line.
Prepare for the Last-Minute Rush
Many donors wait until the final week—or even the last day—of December to make their contributions. Be ready for this surge by having your donation systems, thank-you emails, and tax receipt processes running smoothly.
Conclusion December is a golden opportunity to deepen donor relationships and achieve your fundraising goals. By implementing these strategies, you can tap into the generosity of the season while building momentum for the year ahead. So, let’s make this December one to remember—for your nonprofit and the communities you serve!
What strategies have worked for your organization during December? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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