50% of nonprofits receive the majority of donations from October through December, so it’s the prime time to develop a plan to maximize your fundraising efforts.

In this guide, we’ll review the importance of year-end giving and the best strategies to plan a successful campaign. Here’s what to expect:

• Year-end giving FAQs
• Steps to plan a successful year-end giving campaign
• How Bloomerang can help you host the best year-end giving campaign yet

The sooner you can start your year-end campaign planning, the more time your team will have to prepare and align on strategy and timelines.

Wrapping up

The year-end giving season isn’t just a time to reach out to supporters and gather last-minute donations. It’s also a time to reflect on the progress made throughout the entire year and celebrate your organization’s achievements.

By planning early, creating a strong case for support, and personalizing your donor outreach efforts, you can reach your year-end giving goals and lay the foundation for better supporter relationships next year.

Looking for more information on nonprofit strategic planning and how to improve your fundraising campaigns? Start with these additional resources:

• Nonprofit strategic planning: your path to impactful growth. Your year-end giving strategy is one component of your overall nonprofit strategic plan. Use this guide to approach strategic planning more effectively.
• Best fundraising software tools to boost results. You’ll need the support of powerful software solutions, such as a donor management system and an online giving platform, to make your year-end fundraising successful. This guide reviews the top solutions on the market.
• Donor stewardship: key tips to build relationships. Effective donor stewardship is required for every fundraising campaign, including your year-end giving campaign. Use the tips in this guide to improve your stewardship approach.

The post 15 Essential Steps to Plan for Successful Year-end Giving appeared first on Bloomerang.

For nonprofit fundraising professionals like you, GivingTuesday is a prime opportunity to amplify your mission, rally your community, and finish the year strong.

Not sure if your organization is ready to seize the moment? This guide will walk you through everything you need to confidently plan, promote, and profit from GivingTuesday. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• GivingTuesday: Your FAQs answered
• Expert tips to make the most of your GivingTuesday campaign
• 15 fundraising ideas to engage supporters on GivingTuesday

Real GivingTuesday campaigns from Bloomerang customers that inspire

GivingTuesday has a certain magic to it: the kind that reminds us just how much good nonprofits unleash when their communities rally behind them. And this year, Bloomerang customers are showing up with campaigns that are not just creative and compelling, but deeply connected to the heart of their missions. Their work proves what we already know to be true: when nonprofits are empowered with purpose-built tools and fueled by meaningful supporter relationships, generosity grows and impact skyrockets. 

In this roundup, we’re spotlighting a handful of organizations that are turning GivingTuesday into a catalyst for connection, inspiration, and next-level impact. You’ll see standout strategies, joyful storytelling, and smart, insight-driven execution—all grounded in the realities nonprofits navigate every day. And because purpose thrives when we learn from one another, we’ve included practical takeaways you can carry into your next campaign. Let their 2025 GivingTuesday strategies spark your next big idea!

Tikkun Olam Makers

Networking with global connections and timing with product launches

Tikkun Olam Makers’s GivingTuesday donation page focuses on the unique impact that a supporter can make with each level of donation, including photos of their new 3D-printable Toddler Mobility Trainer (TMT) and a quote from one of their client’s parents. “We timed the campaign to coincide with the public launch of TOM’s TMT device—a lightweight, low-cost mobility device for young children with physical disabilities who are not yet able to walk independently,” shared Mikhala Kotlyar, Grant Management & Development Operations Director. 

They’re spotlighting the campaign through TOM’s social media and newsletter, as well as connecting with their international network of supporters to spread awareness. “TOM is amplifying our GivingTuesday campaign through our global alumni network of former TOM Fellows—college and university students who completed our year-long Fellowship program—and our current TOM Fellows and faculty partners are also helping promote the campaign across their campuses and communities,” said Kotlyar. 

GivingTuesday Takeaway: To boost your campaign’s success across multiple channels, connect with your network of supporters to spread the message and emphasize the direct impact a donor can make, which helps humanize your campaign and makes generosity feel tangible. Impact is contagious; give people something meaningful to share, and they’ll help your mission travel even farther.

Beauty For Ashes Africa

Using a multichannel approach to reach donors wherever they may be

With their 2025 campaign to Sponsor A Girl’s Journey To Freedom, Beauty For Ashes Africa (BFA) is highlighting specific needs like food, education, and counseling that supporters can fulfill, along with using a Bloomerang Fundraising thermometer to track progress to their goal of $27,600. They also took a multichannel approach that started weeks ago to prepare donors for year-end giving. 

“Our campaign this year started with a thank-you campaign to our current donors early this fall with phone calls and thank-you letters,” explained Chrissy Duke, BFA’s U.S. Director. “This month, we are doing some targeted emails and social media posts leading up to GivingTuesday. The day of GivingTuesday, we will do social media, emails, and some live posts. We also have sent out a mailer this month with tri-fold info and a letter.”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Donor readiness starts long before GivingTuesday. By leading with gratitude, naming the specific needs each gift fulfills, and keeping supporters engaged across channels—mail, email, social, and even live updates—you can build a steady flow of connection that turns awareness into action. When donors feel seen, prepared, and clear on their impact, generosity grows. 

FamilieSCN2A Foundation

Using an anniversary or other milestone to garner fundraising support

This year marks the FamilieSCN2A Foundation’s 10th anniversary, so they are driving GivingTuesday and year-end giving by celebrating a decade of growth, scientific milestones, and advocacy wins. “Ten years ago, families receiving an SCN2A diagnosis were often told they were the only one—no community, no research, no answers. Today, thousands are connected, research is advancing, and hope is multiplying,” explained Angie Weaver, Director of Philanthropy & Development. 

“We’re running a full multichannel approach from October 1-December 31, including direct mail, email series, social media storytelling, text messaging, and volunteer engagement.” Their donation page and materials are fully branded “From One to Many,” with a clear call-to-action and GivingTuesday push. “We’re using Bloomerang Fundraising, Bloomerang CRM, and Bloomerang Volunteer to run every piece,” said Weaver. “It truly allows our very small staff to operate at a high professional level.”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Turn milestones into momentum for generosity. By using their 10th anniversary as a rallying cry, FamilieSCN2A gives supporters a powerful reason to engage. Pair a celebratory or emotional moment with a fully branded, multichannel strategy (and the right tools to run it smoothly) and even the smallest teams can show up with big-league professionalism. When you honor your history and invite donors into the next chapter, you inspire generosity that carries well beyond GivingTuesday.

Rejoice School of Ballet

A creative theme that casts donors as heroes and thanks them for their generosity

One way that Rejoice School of Ballet removes the financial burden from dancers’ families is by providing every dancer with a free, high-quality uniform, regardless of economic status. This year’s GivingTuesday campaign uses the theme “Real Superheroes Know Children Need Tights” to drive home the message. “Since we are raising money for leotards, shoes, and tights, the idea popped into my head that superheroes wear tights and superhero language is a great way to honor donors,” said Sharyn Mahoney, Executive Director. “I sent our graphic designer this idea with other superhero language and a few photos to use. She changed the images into a comic book style, and the campaign fell into place.”

Rejoice’s campaign is run through social media and emails, with teasers sent out in the weeks and days leading up to GivingTuesday. This year, postcards were added as a direct mail piece, and on the day of, the Director of School Operations will host three Facebook Live sessions to show students in action and provide updates. Mahoney also calls donors who have made significant contributions, starting with $500 and up, and expanding to calls for donations over $250 and even $100 as time permits. “Plus, I always call first-time donors,” said Mahoney. “Even if those calls happen over a day or two later, just leaving a message makes a big impact.”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: A playful, mission-rooted theme can make your campaign unforgettable—but pairing creativity with personal connection is where the real magic happens. Rejoice shows how a fun, visually vibrant concept can draw supporters in, while thoughtful donor phone calls deepen relationships and spark lasting loyalty. When you mix joyful storytelling with genuine gratitude, generosity leaps into action.

Allegheny RiverTrail Park

Using Bloomerang CRM and Fundraising to make data-informed decisions

Allegheny RiverTrail Park (ARP) is tracking GivingTuesday appeal success rates by making seven identical forms that each map back to a different appeal in the Bloomerang CRM. “We will see different responses for email blasts, social media links, direct mail, paid ads, and park signage,” explained Katie Steines, Marketing and Development Coordinator. “This will direct our decision making and fund allocation for next year!”

ARP is also using one FundHub in Bloomerang Fundraising so that their embedded Annual Appeal thermometer will be accurately updated regardless of which form is viewed. “GivingTuesday’s goal is separate, so the thermometer on that form will be for a different goal, but it will still feed the main Annual Appeal thermometer once GivingTuesday is over,” said Steines. “And based on last year’s GivingTuesday data, we added a $60 giving level. $50 was the most frequent gift last year, so a $10 increase should boost our revenue a little bit!”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Use data as your strategist! By tracking response rates across multiple channels and tying every gift back to clear appeals, you can see exactly what’s working—and invest smarter next year. Pairing that with thoughtful tweaks like updating giving levels based on previous patterns turns insight into impact. When your data tells the story, your fundraising gets sharper, stronger, and more effective.

Hands of Hope

Making a donation match encourages donors to act now

For GivingTuesday 2025, every dollar donated to Hands of Hope Adoption and Orphan Care Ministry will be matched until they hit their goal of $10,000, turning the impact into $20,000. In addition to a Bloomerang Fundraising goal thermometer, their giving page also includes photos of the families being supported by their nonprofit. Plus, throughout the month of November, “we will be sharing personal videos and impact stories and stats on social media,” shared Chey Hernandez, Director of Development. 

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Matching gifts for GivingTuesday, or any campaign, double the impact and give supporters an irresistible reason to act now. Pair that urgency with heart-centered storytelling and real client photos, making your mission feel personal and the purpose unmistakable. 

The UP Center

Generosity comes naturally with a cohesive story and donor matching gifts

The UP Center’s well-branded GivingTuesday donation page is themed this year to encourage donors to “add a stitch” to the community’s quilt of hope. “For the campaign, we leveraged the ‘add a stitch’ theme through a multistep email campaign, mailing, and social media ads on Facebook and Nextdoor and by highlighting GivingTuesday on our website and in our quarterly newsletter,” said Abby Peterkin, Chief Development Officer. And what’s even better than a double donation match? A triple match! The UP Center has secured a special $30,000 match that will triple the impact of their supporters’ compassion and kindness now through December 2. 

GivingTuesday Takeaway: A strong theme can tie your whole campaign together, but a powerful match can take it to the next level. By weaving a creative GivingTuesday theme—and pairing it with a high-value matching gift—you can make giving feel both meaningful and irresistible. 

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP)

Making your GivingTuesday moment shine within a larger year-end campaign

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) focuses on two major days of giving each year: The Big Give, a San Antonio-wide day of giving held each September, and GivingTuesday. “While GivingTuesday falls within our year-end campaign, we always create a separate, dedicated campaign for the day,” explained Lauren Weiss, Chief Development Officer. 

Their theme for GivingTuesday 2025 is “One Day of Giving… A Year of CAMP!” In addition to email blasts leading up to the event, CAMP also reaches out to past donors to offer a matching gift opportunity, posting announcements like “If we raise $XXX during this match hour, a donor will match it up to $XXX” throughout the day. “Our GivingTuesday social media efforts go beyond asking for gifts. We also focus on showing impact,” said Weiss. “We share video testimonials from parents and volunteers who describe what CAMP means to them and the difference it makes in their lives.”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Create a GivingTuesday moment that stands on its own—even within a larger year-end push—by giving supporters a clear theme, a focused message, and multiple ways to engage. Layer in match-hour challenges to spark urgency, and balance your asks with impact-filled content like testimonials and videos. When donors can see the joy their gift creates, they’re far more likely to jump in and give!

March Fourth

Partnering with influencers and offering branded merch giveaways

March Fourth’s 2025 GivingTuesday donation page is offering a branded tumbler and exclusive stickers for all donations of $100 or more. They’re also partnering with influencers and volunteers to spread the word about the campaign: “We have a group of influencers who are going to help promote our GivingTuesday campaign, as well as an extremely excited group of March Fourth volunteers,” said Laura Baker, Senior Vice President. “We are asking both groups to share on their social media accounts why our mission of Ending Mass Shootings is important to them.”

“We have asked the team to be authentic and even fun and creative to bring some ease to a very heavy, yet real, topic! Everyone has their own personal reason for why they dedicate their time to volunteering at March Fourth, and we want to empower them to share it. Guns are the #1 killer of children. The majority of Americans want shootings to end, and we want to use this campaign to get donations, raise awareness, and educate how everyone can participate.”

GivingTuesday Takeaway: If your mission tackles heavy issues, lean into authenticity and empower real voices to lead the conversation. By encouraging influencers and volunteers to share personal stories and adding a joyful merch moment to spark participation, your campaign can turn heartfelt honesty into powerful awareness and generous support. When real people lead the message, engagement grows, and your impact goes further.

Easterseals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region

Community engagement and peer-to-peer fundraising enables greater participation

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley has participated in GivingTuesday since 2014, with their efforts driven by 100% participation from the Board of Directors, generous matching donors, and families who share their experience. “Some of the Board teams up with children from Easterseals to help raise funds that day and we connect with families to share their ES experience to their friends and family. We also spread good energy and gratitude on GivingTuesday by encouraging people to submit ‘Bursts of Gratitude’ to people in their lives that we will post in our clinics and share in our communications,” said Erin Skaggs, Marketing Director. “The integration between a peer-to-peer campaign and social channels has been helpful to expand our reach.” 

Their 2025 GivingTuesday campaign, “Connect The Dots,” is taking advantage of Bloomerang Fundraising features like leaderboards, peer-to-peer pages, and a goal thermometer. “Our theme speaks to the comprehensive pediatric therapies we provide and the impact our donors have by connecting children who are uninsured to the services they need,” explained Skaggs. Staff participate by amplifying the nonprofit’s message, and the event is made extra fun with t-shirts, a photobooth, and a coffee bar. Mobilizing the community is a big part of their campaign, with fundraisers receiving exclusive incentives like branded gear, gift baskets, and other prizes, while two local shops are donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to Easterseals’ GivingTuesday effort.

GivingTuesday Takeaway: When your community becomes the engine of your campaign, your impact multiplies. Combining peer-to-peer fundraising, social storytelling, and a mission-rooted theme creates a sense of shared purpose that inspires people to show up—and bring others with them. Layer in Board participation, matching gifts, and playful incentives for donors and staff alike to turn GivingTuesday into a celebration that lifts both awareness and generosity higher.

Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space

Turning donations into a friendly competition increases generosity

Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) is an accredited nonprofit land trust offering supporters a unique option to vote for their favorite local trail with each gift of $20 on this year’s GivingTuesday donation page. Plus, those who vote for the winning trail will win a brand new FoHVOS shirt and that trail will be featured in next year’s guided hikes led by FoHVOS Land Stewards.

The nonprofit is using social media to share the benefits of trail-walking and provide updates on highest ranking trails leading up to GivingTuesday. They are also using email to spread awareness of the campaign—and already seeing results. “We received a $100 donation for our GivingTuesday campaign from a local community member who has been signed up to receive FoHVOS e-newsletters since 2016,” shared Jennifer Rogers, Executive Director. “This contribution was their first ever to our organization, even though we’ve been reaching them for nine years!” 

GivingTuesday Takeaway: Patience and thoughtful donor stewardship pay off—especially when paired with a creative, community-centered campaign. By giving supporters a fun way to vote with their gift and spotlight community features they love, you can turn long-time followers into first-time donors. When you make participation engaging, local, and meaningful, even quiet supporters are inspired to step forward and spread the generosity. 

Conclusion 

GivingTuesday may only last 24 hours, but the impact nonprofits create on this day of generosity stretches far beyond the calendar. As these Bloomerang customers show, there’s no single path to a successful campaign—there are countless ways to spark connections, uplift your community, and inspire people to give boldly. Let their creativity remind you of what’s possible when you lead with authenticity, lean into your strengths, and give supporters a clear way to make an impact. With the right tools, a built-for-purpose strategy, and a little joy, you can elevate your GivingTuesday efforts and ignite generosity that lasts all year. 

Wrapping up

With an impactful plan, your nonprofit will be ready to rock GivingTuesday this year. Equipped with these expert tips and creative GivingTuesday ideas, you’re off to a great start.

Check out our additional fundraising resources to optimize all aspects of your campaign:

• Email Marketing for Nonprofits: The Ultimate How-To Guide. Craft engaging and inspiring GivingTuesday emails with the help of this comprehensive guide.
• The Essential Nonprofit Fundraiser’s Guide to Mobile Giving. Learn everything you need to know about optimizing your mobile giving efforts ahead of GivingTuesday.
• What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising? The Ultimate Guide. Plan a fun and effective peer-to-peer fundraiser for your audience by following our expert tips.

The post GivingTuesday 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Nonprofits appeared first on Bloomerang.

“Nonprofits using Bloomerang shattered expectations this GivingTuesday, achieving double the growth of the industry average and securing average donation amounts three times higher than their peers. This incredible success demonstrates the undeniable power of technology to drive fundraising outcomes, even amidst economic uncertainty,” said Dennis Fois, chief executive officer at Bloomerang, “Our platform delivered for clients when it mattered most—kicking off a promising start to the giving season.”

The number of donations made via a digital wallet—11,960—more than doubled from 2023, further proving the findings in Bloomerang’s 2024 Generational Giving Report that digital wallets are an increasingly expected and common giving method. The average donation grew 10% to $349, and 2,305 individual recurring donations were made during the day, a 25% increase from 2023, indicating an increasing preference for donors to provide ongoing support to their preferred causes.

“The GivingTuesday results highlight the incredible impact nonprofits can achieve with the right technology,” said Tammy Hammond, chief product officer at Bloomerang. “The broad fundraising capabilities within Bloomerang make it easy for nonprofits to effectively raise more during impactful days, such as GivingTuesday. Our built-for-purpose platform is designed to support the entire donor journey, from building segmented lists to developing engaging donation forms, stewarding relationships following a donation, and beyond. Not only does it make giving easier for donors, but it also empowers nonprofits to forge long-lasting, sustained relationships with the communities they serve.” 

Bloomerang clients leveraged a range of giving platform features for their GivingTuesday campaigns such as Bloomerang’s AI Content Assistant, Predictive Giving Insights and Dynamic Groups to segment donor outreach, peer-to-peer campaigns, customizable donation forms, text fundraising, and more. Bloomerang’s end-to-end giving platform aids nonprofits in capitalizing on team strengths, tapping into the generosity of supporters, and maximizing impact.

See how Bloomerang’s fundraising tools powered by Qgiv can help your nonprofit raise more money at year end — and beyond.

The post Bloomerang Clients Raised A Record $56M On GivingTuesday appeared first on Bloomerang.

We’re heading into the busiest, most lucrative time of the year for nonprofits—end-of-year fundraising. A time when many nonprofits raise 25-50% of their entire budget.

But I’m guessing your inbox was flooded with emails last year for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and GivingTuesday (me too).

Do you remember any emails that stood out? The ones that intrigued you enough to click them?

I do, and I’ve shared five of my favorite GivingTuesday subject lines below:

You’ve got that GivingTuesday Glow!

My friends at Magic Wheelchair are total pros at building show-stopping costumes for kids in wheelchairs—and they get it: a little flattery goes a long way to getting those fundraising emails opened.

If you were waiting for the most impactful moment to donate, this is it

Look at this from Save the Children! They included a countdown to reach their match goal, along with a powerful image of a child looking straight at the camera. It’s direct, it’s moving, and it pulls you right in. Well done!

We’re $690 away from crossing the finish line

There’s nothing quite like that last push—the excitement of supporters coming together to help you cross the finish line. That’s what happened for my friends at Love Not Lost. They were just within reach of their $30,000 goal and sent an update email Wednesday morning, inviting everyone to help get them there. They didn’t just hit the target—they soared past it, raising $31,150!

s  t  r  e  t  c  h  goal for koalas!

My fundraising bestie, copywriting dynamo Julie Cooper, shared this little gem. The goal’s tied to koalas—not the organization’s name—making it much more personal. And let’s talk about spelling out s t r e t c h like that! Plus the emojis! They’re a fun way to break through the clutter in a crowded, ho-hum inbox.

GivingTuesday is Here and Queer!

My friend Jim Anderson shared this subject line winner from This Way Out LGBTQ, and it made us both want to stand up and cheer!

If donors aren’t opening your emails, you have one thing to blame: your subject line. A bad subject line will tank your appeal. Even the greatest appeal can’t overcome a weak subject line.

I’m here to help you stand out in a crowded inbox and write click-worthy subject lines for fundraising emails just in time for GivingTuesday and end-of-year fundraising.

Five takeaways, tips & tools to get noticed at end-of-year fundraising

1. To make your email pop in a busy email inbox, try leaving GivingTuesday out of the subject line. Of the 79 emails I got last year on GivingTuesday, 50 used GivingTuesday in the subject line. You’ll stand out much better if you don’t.
2. Pro-tip: Save this blog and use these top-performing subject lines for fundraising emails in your next campaign. Even better? Start a “Subject lines” Google doc with them and add your highest performing subject lines (psst, I do this too and have 384 subject lines in mine). Trust me, future you will be writing emails in record time!
3. Test your email subject lines with a free tool like Send Check It (add the link to your bookmarks toolbar). It’ll rate your email based on grade level, scannability, length, and spammy words—and even give you tips to improve it!
4. Increase your email open rates by sending more frequently. Your donor does not read every fundraising email you send. So, send more.

Real talk: The average nonprofit has a 26% open rate, which means 74% of your donors aren’t reading your email. (If it helps you feel better, commercial open rates are only about 6%.) Maybe you feel like you’re bombarding your donors with multiple emails. I’ve been there. By the time you’re on your 3rd, 5th, or 11th email appeal, you start wondering, “Is everyone on my list ready to throw rocks at me?”

They don’t. If they did, they’d unsubscribe, and that’s okay, too!

Still sweating sending multiple email appeals? Here’s a stat to ease your mind, dear fundraiser: the average nonprofit sends around eight emails in December alone.

Look, donors will only open emails with a subject line that interests them. They’ll only give to asks that compel them to take action. Your donors are busy and you need to overcommunicate with them during this busy season. I guarantee the nonprofits raising 50% of their annual operating budget at the end of the year are sending more than a few emails!

5. Experiment with personalization in your subject line to increase open rates.

Personalized emails tend to have 29% higher open rates than others. That’s obvious since everyone loves it when you address them personally. Remember that personalization requires you to know your constituent’s first name so be thoughtful with what you use as a custom text field if their first name is blank.

Need a hand with your fundraising, subject lines, emails, and appeals? Join my monthly membership, The League of Extraordinary Fundraisers, for insider tips on end-of-year fundraising success.

If you have tips or tools that you love to use for end-of-year fundraising email subject lines, drop them in the comments below! Bonus points for any winning email subject lines you want to share.

The post Tips To Get Noticed During End-of-Year Fundraising appeared first on Bloomerang.

I’m here with an end-of-year timeline and fundraising communications calendar to make end-of-year fundraising as easy as pie. There’s so much you can do now to plan winning strategies for GivingTuesday and end of year.

Just follow my timeline below to create your year-end fundraising plan!

September

• Create a campaign theme and offer, logo, and tagline.
• Recruit a match from a single donor or group of donors.
• Collect data (ideally the last two years, but at a minimum for the previous year)
  • How much did we raise at end of year? Filter by date.
  • What number of donors gave at end of year?
  • What was our average gift amount?
  • What was our retention rate year over year?
  • How many new first-time donors did we have at end of year?
  • How much did you raise for GivingTuesday?
• Set campaign goals.
• Line up any volunteers or campaign leaders.
• Schedule in-person ask visits with donors.

October

• Collect testimonials, impact stories, videos, and pictures and use them to write ‘reporting back’ stewardship emails, postcards, texts, thank-a-thon phone scripts, or letters. Include a short story celebrating the donor and their impact on your mission.
• Design and test your year-end donation page and web overlay for the homepage to spotlight the campaign, incorporating year-end fundraising for nonprofits. Test all buttons, links, post-gift email auto-responders, and landing pages on desktop and mobile devices.
• Write, design, proof, test, and schedule all direct mail appeals, email appeals, and social media ads and posts (all must match). Coordinate with your direct mail drop, use segments and personalization appropriately, and split A/B test your subject lines.
• Test your appeal for free with this appeal writing checklist.
• At the same time as you write your appeal, write your thank-you email autoresponders, landing page, thank-you letters and/or cards, and your ‘reporting back’ letter where you tell the donor a story of how their recent gift made an impact.
• Ensure online donors and new first-time donors are put into a special segmented donor stewardship series after making their gifts (instead of continuing to get each appeal in your appeal series).
• Perform any necessary list cleaning on your direct mail and email lists.

November

November 1-10

• Host a “Thanks for giving” thank-a-thon where board members call donors to thank them and share a win the donor made possible. Give board members a thank-you script and a few discovery questions in case the donor answers. Record relevant feedback/notes.
• Start your social media campaign with weekly 2-5 year-end posts or ads after the direct mail drop.
• Follow up with a stewardship email blast thanking donors and spotlighting their accomplishments with an impact story to launch your email appeals.

November 11-20

• Train all staff to handle last-minute donor requests, like processing gifts online or accepting stock gifts.
• Craft a personal out-of-office message that spotlights your campaign and includes your mobile number so donors can reach you.
• Ensure you have adequate resources to properly thank and steward incoming gifts from donors with email, video email, thank-you cards, and thank-you calls.

November 21-December 3 (GivingTuesday)

• One week before Thanksgiving:
  • Send handwritten notes, cards, postcards, letters, emails, video emails, or texts to your top donors to arrive before the holiday with a win they made possible.
  • Send thank-you emails to volunteers, board members, and community partners to express appreciation and wish them a happy Thanksgiving.
• A few days before Thanksgiving: Share a “thank you” or “thankful” post on social media.
• The day after Thanksgiving: Launch a GivingTuesday banner on your homepage and add it to your online giving page. Post a “save the date” for GivingTuesday on social media.
• Sunday after Thanksgiving: Send a GivingTuesday email blast and social media post.
• The day before Giving Tuesday: Do a pre-launch email and go live with the GivingTuesday web overlay on your homepage.
• On GivingTuesday: 
  • Send 3-5 properly segmented email appeals throughout the day with updates on your progress towards your goal.
  • Post impact stories, donor thanks, asks, and updates on social media.
  • Pick up the phone to personally thank any new first-time donors on Giving Tuesday.
• The day after GivingTuesday: Replace your web overlay with a thank-you banner on your website and social media posts for received gifts and to celebrate hitting or exceeding your goal.
• Two days after Giving Tuesday: Remove any references to it from your website.

December

December 4-10

• Test your online donation process by donating to your nonprofit online from your desktop and mobile device to ensure all links, communications, and landing pages are optimized.
• Launch your mail drop or scheduled end-of-year email appeals. Use segments and personalization appropriately, and split A/B test your subject lines.
• Place online donors and new first-time donors into a special segmented donor stewardship series after making their gifts (as opposed to continuing to get each appeal in your appeal series).
• Run social ads/posts weekly through December 31, spotlighting the need with an invitation to give as part of your December donor engagement calendar.
• Fundraising staff or board members call lapsed major donors to thank them for their prior support and encourage them to give before year end.
• Send multiple email appeals throughout the month with as many as 2-3 on the last day, December 31, including sending to donors who gave on GivingTuesday (remove donor giving after GivingTuesday donors from remaining appeals).
• Consider a lightbox (also known as a web overlay or homepage hijack on your homepage to promote your end-of-year campaign and direct donors to your donation form) for GivingTuesday (only), and consider doing it for the last week of December.

December 11-20

• Continue your end-of-year email appeals. Call and personally thank new first-time donors and appropriately tag donors so they don’t continue to receive your email appeals.
• Make sure your end-of-year donors get meaningful stewardship thanks, texts, emails, cards, postcards, or letters. For example, “You gave one (day, week, or month) ago, and already you’ve [insert accomplishment here]…”
• If you’re leaving the office for the holidays, set a heartfelt out-of-office message mentioning your campaign and including your mobile number.

December 21-31

• Ramp up your emails and social media. Try using FOMO (fear of missing out) and expiring matches to drive responses.
• Make the most of Dec 31 by reusing the same email. December 31st is the most lucrative fundraising day of the year in online fundraising. Steven Screen from Better Fundraising has an outline for a simple email appeal to write and send three times, on December 29, 30th, and 31st. Each time you resend the email. Remove a section to shorten it. Or conversely, you could send all three messages on December 31 with a 2-3 hour gap between each one.

1. 1. Use a personal salutation: “Dear Julie.”
   2. Ask with a deadline. “I’m writing you today in the hope that you will send a special year-end gift before midnight on December 31st.”
   3. Share the outcome of the gift: This is what will happen in the world as a result of the gift. Note that this is not a description of your program. “Because of your gift today, junior high school students will be better at math.” Remove this portion in the third appeal.
   4. List the reasons to give now. It could be a match deadline, or ‘this is the last day to get a tax deduction for your gift,’ or you can say why the gift is necessary now: “The kids will be back in class on January 10, and we need your help now to ensure they’ll have the tutoring they need when they return.”
   5. Provide a shared value: “Julie, I know from your previous gifts that you care about kids learning math.“ Remove this part in the third appeal.
   6. Make ANOTHER ask with a deadline.
   7. Use a personal signature
   8. Add a P.S. with another ask with a deadline.

January

January 1-5

• Report back to donors in a letter thanking them for meeting the need and telling them how their gift made an impact.
• Make sure anyone giving those last few days of the year receives thank-you letters, cards, texts, postcards, video emails, or personal emails thanking them.
• Consider crafting a donor survey to learn more about your donors.
• Consider putting donors who upgraded at end-of-year into a mid-level or major gift portfolio.
• Assess your performance to your goals: recruiting new donors, upgrades, average gift size, and total gifts.
• Review the results of the campaign and prepare your board report. What went well? What could we have done better?
• Prepare annual tax statements to be mailed or emailed before Feb. 1.
• Start on the Annual Report.
• Prepare your 2025 year-end fundraising plan.

Year-end is not “the end”

As you wrap up your year-end campaigns and reflect on the whirlwind of activity, it may be tempting to focus on the numbers—the donations, the new donors, the last big push on December 31st. But what if you could take a moment to celebrate something beyond the financial results? Your timeline is more than a list of tasks; it’s a reflection of your mission’s broader impact on your community. In managing these communications with intention, you’re not only asking for support; you’re also building relationships that last beyond December 31st. The end-of-year crunch might feel like a sprint, but it’s really a marathon—one that sets the stage for your organization’s long-term growth, deepens donor loyalty, and ultimately amplifies your mission. So, as you count up the gifts, don’t forget to count the connections you’ve made and the future you’re helping shape.

What tips would you add to this year-end fundraising plan list? Let us know in the comments. 

The post Mastering Your End-of-Year Fundraising Plan: Calendar + Checklist appeared first on Bloomerang.

But don’t worry—there’s another key moment in November that’s just as important for nonprofits: GivingTuesday. You don’t have to compete with political campaigns for donors’ attention because GivingTuesday offers a major opportunity for nonprofits to capture their support.

To better understand this year’s landscape, we partnered with Dynata to survey 1,000 U.S. adults (18+) in September 2024. Our goal? To find out whether an election year influences donor behavior and how much people really know about GivingTuesday.

Note: When given brief insight into what GivingTuesday is, nearly half of respondents say they plan to donate on GivingTuesday this year.

Gaining super supporters for your nonprofit requires two things — reaching more people and re-reaching existing or past supporters. To keep your organization relevant and ready for the upcoming giving season, it’s critical to not only know where to reach people, but how they want to be reached. Personalized campaigns, celebrity or influencer endorsements, and better awareness of key moments in time for target audiences can help create strong differentiation for your nonprofit and cause.

You can view and download the stand-alone .jpg and .pdf versions of the infographic.

What do you think are key tactics to boost your GivingTuesday campaign and gain super supporters during the end of year giving season? We invite you to share your insights in the comments below. 

The post Boost Your GivingTuesday Campaign With Personalized Communication appeared first on Bloomerang.

How can you optimize data-driven GivingTuesday campaigns to craft personalized donor journeys, make real-time decisions, and build lasting relationships long after GivingTuesday is over? Let’s talk about how you can take your campaign from good to great, with data as your guide.

Elevate GivingTuesday campaigns using data

GivingTuesday isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s a high-stakes moment where every dollar counts. You wouldn’t leave something this important to chance, right? Strategic data use can make the difference between a reactive campaign—where you’re scrambling to adjust—and a proactive one that drives results from the start.

Using data in your GivingTuesday planning isn’t just about boosting donations; it’s about turning nonprofit donor data strategies into meaningful connections with your supporters. When you use data effectively, those connections can last far beyond a single day of giving.

Shaping personalized donor journeys with data

Fundraising is not a one-size-fits-all process. Imagine sending the same email to both a long-time supporter and someone who just signed up for your newsletter. Their levels of engagement, history with your organization, and interests are completely different. Why treat them the same?

That’s where personalized donor journeys come into play. By segmenting your donors based on their behavior, engagement, or preferences, you can tailor your messages to speak directly to each type of donor individually.

Creating segmented donor experiences

Start by really digging into your donor data. Who are your regular givers? Who opens every email but hasn’t donated in a year? Who attended your last event but hasn’t engaged since? Use the insights from all this data to tailor your GivingTuesday outreach.

Tactic: Segment your donors into groups based on how often they give, how they engage with your organization, or the communication channels they prefer. For example, loyal donors might appreciate a thank-you for their continued support, while new supporters might respond better to a story about the impact of their first donation. Using this type of targeted approach is essential for running a successful data-driven GivingTuesday campaign.

Using donor preferences to optimize outreach

Let’s face it—generic fundraising emails don’t cut it anymore. But by using personalized donor journeys, you can send messages that actually reach your donors’ hearts. Use data you’ve collected on past donor interactions, like which emails they opened or what events they attended, to craft targeted messaging.

Tactic: Use data from past interactions to create email sequences or personalized landing pages that align with each segment’s preferences. Donors who see content that speaks directly to them are far more likely to engage.

Using data to respond to donor behavior in real time

GivingTuesday is fast-paced, and donor behavior can shift on a dime. That’s why real-time data is so important—you can adapt and adjust throughout the day.

Adapting campaigns in real time

As donations start rolling in, monitor how donors are engaging with your efforts. Are certain emails getting more clicks? Are some social media posts driving more traffic? Adjust your messaging and tactics based on what’s working at the moment.

Tactic: Use tools to track engagement, donation spikes, and behavior patterns throughout the day. If you see a surge in donations after sending a specific email, adjust your other communications to reflect that same tone or messaging. This real-time adaptation is key to running data-driven GivingTuesday campaigns that maximize engagement.

Implementing A/B testing and data-driven adjustments

A/B testing is your best friend during a busy campaign like GivingTuesday. Testing different versions of your emails, landing pages, or social media ads, will help you quickly see what’s resonating with your audience—and make tweaks accordingly.

Tactic: Set up A/B tests for subject lines, donation asks, or storytelling elements. Test whether a heartfelt story drives more donations than a stats-driven approach. Once you know what’s working, lean into it for the rest of the day.

Harnessing feedback loops for continuous improvement

The best part about data? It doesn’t end when GivingTuesday does. In fact, the real work begins once the campaign is over. Post-campaign analysis is key to refining your approach for the future.

Post-campaign analysis

After GivingTuesday, take a hard look at what worked and what didn’t. Did certain segments outperform others? Did one communication channel bring in more donations than another? These insights will inform your donor data strategies for year-end appeals and future campaigns.

Tactic: Analyze donor response patterns, channel performance, and conversion rates to identify where you’re succeeding and where you have room for improvement. This sets the stage for even better results next year.

Incorporating donor feedback to fine-tune future efforts

Beyond the numbers, listen to your donors. Send out surveys or follow-up emails asking for feedback. Do they feel connected to your mission? Is it easy to donate? You can refine your messaging and outreach efforts for future campaigns by integrating donor feedback.

Tactic: Collect feedback after GivingTuesday to understand donor motivations and improve your approach. Donors are more likely to stay engaged if they feel their voices are being heard.

Using data to build long-term donor relationships

At the end of the day, GivingTuesday is about more than just one-off donations. It’s an opportunity to build enduring relationships with your donors—and data can help you do that.

Moving from transactional to relational

Too often, fundraising feels transactional. You ask for a donation, you get it (hopefully), and then move on. But if you want to build long-term donor loyalty, you need to shift from a transactional mindset to a relational one. That means using data-driven strategies to engage with donors year-round, not just when you need money.

Tactic: Use engagement data to keep in touch with donors throughout the year. Send updates that show how their gifts are making an impact or invite them to events that align with their interests. By staying connected, you’re more likely to retain their support long term.

Transforming data insights into effective engagement strategies

So now that you’ve collected all this valuable data, don’t just sit on it. Use it to craft future engagement strategies that promote loyalty and deepen your relationship with your donors.

Tactic: Look at behavior patterns to determine the best times to reach out and what kind of follow-up your donors will most likely respond to. The more personalized and strategic your outreach, the stronger your donor relationships will be.

Data is only as powerful as how you use it

Here’s the thing—data is only as powerful as the way you use it. It’s not just a set of numbers—it’s a tool for making smarter decisions, creating more personalized donor journeys, and building stronger relationships that extend beyond GivingTuesday.

If you look at data as a dynamic tool rather than a static one, you can create campaigns that aren’t just good—they’re great. They’re responsive, relationship-driven, and designed for long-term success.

So, as you gear up for GivingTuesday, remember: data is more than a way to track donations. It’s a key ingredient in building data-driven GivingTuesday campaigns that connect with donors on a deeper level, driving not just results but meaningful change. Now go out there and make your GivingTuesday campaign one to remember!

We’re curious to hear more about GivingTuesday campaigns. Share your plans in the comments. 

The post Using Data-Driven Strategies To Take Your GivingTuesday Campaigns From Good To Great appeared first on Bloomerang.

How do you zero in on the supporters who’ll make the biggest impact? You’ll need a blend of strategy, data, and smart relationship-building to find those key donors and maximize your GivingTuesday results. And spoiler alert: it’s not just about past donors—though they’ll be a big part of the plan. Let’s get to it.

Taking a strategic approach to GivingTuesday

Here’s the reality: a successful GivingTuesday campaign doesn’t happen by accident. You need a clear plan. Back in the day, you could maybe get by with a broad ask to your entire donor base, but today? Not so much. The trick is to be thoughtful about how to find top donors for GivingTuesday—ones who are likely to give and feel strongly about your mission.

By using data to target good GivingTuesday donors and paying attention to donor behaviors, you can make sure you’re focusing your energy on the right people. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, right?

What makes a good GivingTuesday donor?

The best GivingTuesday donors aren’t just random names on your list. They’ve already shown an interest or commitment in the past, and with the right nudge, you can inspire them to give again.

Look at previous donor history

Looking for an easy place to start? It’s your past donors. Someone who’s already donated is more likely to support your campaign again—especially if you’ve kept them in the loop and made them feel like their gift had an impact.

Tactic: Send personalized messages that mention their past support. Show them how their donation helped move the needle for your organization, and invite them to contribute again this year.

High engagement with your cause

You’ve probably got people who’ve attended your events, volunteered, or regularly open your emails. These are the folks who are emotionally connected to your cause. And yes, they’re perfect candidates for a GivingTuesday ask.

Tactic: Use your data to prioritize outreach to these engaged supporters. A quick, personalized email or a call can make all the difference in turning that connection into a donation.

Donors who advocate on social media

If you have social followers who consistently share your content, they’re already helping your cause in a big way. Have you ever asked them to donate? Many social media advocates just need a little push to take that next step.

Tactic: Turn digital support into real-world impact by reaching out to likely donors with a personalized note on social media or email, thanking them for their support, and inviting them to take the next step with a donation.

Community influencers

These aren’t just donors—they’re people who have sway in their communities and can bring others along with them. Engaging these influencers can help you amplify your efforts and reach new donors you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Tactic: Get them involved early as peer-to-peer fundraisers or in leadership roles for your campaign. Their influence can go a long way.

Using generosity scores and engagement data

Data isn’t just for tech companies—nonprofits can also use it to their advantage. Tools like generosity scores give you a broader perspective of how involved donors are with your organization and how likely they are to give. It’s like having a cheat sheet for your campaign.

Understanding generosity scores

Generosity scores factor in a wide range of donor behaviors, from donation history to event participation. This scoring system lets you focus your outreach on people most likely to give—a lifesaver when time’s short.

Tactic: Prioritize high-scoring donors for the most personalized outreach. These are the people who can really move the needle on GivingTuesday, so make sure they feel the love.

Segmenting your donor base by score

It’s not enough just to look at overall scores—you want to break your list down into tiers: high scorers, mid-range, and lower scorers. This allows you to tailor your messaging for each group and maximize GivingTuesday donations.

Tactic: For top scorers, get specific with your ask. For mid-range donors, lean into emotionally driven content. Broader messaging will work for lower scorers as you build relationships for the future.

Layering engagement data for more precise asks

Generosity scores are great, but you can make them even more powerful by layering them with engagement data. Think about email open rates, volunteer hours, or event attendance. These details give you a clear picture of how and when to reach out.

Timing is everything

Don’t just fire off a bunch of emails at random times. If you know that certain donors open emails in the morning or are more active during specific events, use that to your advantage. The sweet spot for sending nonprofit emails is usually mid-week—between Tuesday andThursday—with late morning to early afternoon being prime time. And when it comes to big fundraising days like GivingTuesday, evening emails tend to get a better response. The best times to post on social media are also Tuesday through Thursday, between 9am and 3pm.

Tactic: Time your outreach based on donor engagement patterns. Check your email and social media analytics to see when your donors are most active—whether they’re opening emails or interacting with your posts. Use this data to adjust your timing and messaging sequence so it hits when donors are most likely to engage. With the right timing, you can boost engagement and donations in a meaningful way.

Using CRM data to identify top donors

Your CRM holds a goldmine of information. You can pull reports on everything from donor engagement to volunteer hours, which helps you build a targeted list of high-potential donors. This is crucial when thinking about how to find top donors for GivingTuesday.

Leveraging CRM tools

Drill into your CRM for reports on donor behavior, focusing on recurring donors, lapsed donors, and volunteers. Then, segment them so you can tailor your messaging to each group.

Tactic: Use a personal touch to create different messaging for each group—like thanking recurring donors for their consistent support while inviting lapsed donors to reconnect.

Layering in wealth insights with DonorSearch

Want to get even more out of your CRM? DonorSearch adds valuable insights to donor profiles, like past giving behavior and philanthropic tendencies. After running a Batch Screen, you’ll get details like largest gift size and last year’s donations, helping you identify potential donors who may not have been on your radar before.

Tactic: Run a Batch Screen with DonorSearch to add these insights to your CRM. Use this data to send personalized outreach to donors who are most likely to make a meaningful impact on your campaign.

Engaging potential donors before GivingTuesday

Make the most of the weeks leading up to GivingTuesday. Reach out with personal messages, recognize previous support, and make sure your donors feel connected to your mission.

Warming up potential donors

Remind your donors about why they’re connected to your cause before GivingTuesday. Whether you use thank-you notes or a simple check-in, these small touches can have a big impact.

Tactic: Send personalized emails, give donors updates on your work, or invite them to a pre-GivingTuesday event. The more engaged they feel, the more likely they are to give when the day comes.

Building long-term donor relationships

GivingTuesday isn’t just about hitting your one-day goal. It’s an opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with your donors. Think of it as a starting point rather than a single transaction.

Following up after GivingTuesday

The work doesn’t stop after GivingTuesday. Follow up with personalized thank-yous, updates on how their gifts are making a difference, and invitations to stay involved.

Tactic: Keep the momentum going by showing donors exactly where their money’s going and how it’s helping. If they see the impact, they’re much more likely to give again.

The last word

The secret to a great GivingTuesday campaign? Finding the right donors. Whether you’re digging into data to target good GivingTuesday donors, tapping into generosity scores, or focusing on your top supporters—taking a personalized approach can make all the difference. Don’t just aim for a one-day win—use GivingTuesday to spark relationships that keep growing long after the day is done. Keep your supporters in the loop, show them the impact they’re making, and you’ll set yourself up for success year after year.

The post Unlocking The Secrets To Finding Your Best Donors For GivingTuesday appeared first on Bloomerang.

Shine a spotlight on your volunteers

Hearing heartfelt stories about why your cause is important to them will amplify your messaging and help make it resonate with prospects and donors, deepening their emotional connection to your organization and fostering long-term support. It shows everyone your cause is an investment that the broader community supports and champions.

Is celebrating your volunteers and how much they mean to your work a simple but surefire way to get others to get involved? Yes!

Plus giving the mic and shining the spotlight on your volunteers also gives them a well-deserved moment to bask in the glow of genuine appreciation.

Spend the day thanking instead of asking

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity.

In 2014, Meredith Niles had just taken over fundraising for Marie Curie in the UK when her phone rang. It was GivingTuesday inviting her to be a part of GivingTuesday’s inaugural UK launch.

New in her role, with two new staff persons reporting to her and an already-packed end-of-year schedule—including appeals, a holiday catalog, events, and concerts—Melissa felt torn.

With such a busy year-end agenda, she didn’t want to risk cannibalizing their planned appeals.

The organization was also experiencing some cultural shifts as well. Like many healthy nonprofits, Marie Curie was trying to instill greater collaboration and a deeper culture of philanthropy across teams, some of which were siloed. They were also shifting their culture to more evidence-based planning. This meant Meredith would need to prove that anything she did was a worthwhile investment.

Meredith’s brilliant solution?

To spend the day thanking instead of asking. She asked staff to give 15 minutes of their time to handwrite a card and prepared them with ready-made assets, stationery, stamps, and sample scripts. She made it fun with decorations and a staff photo contest. Staff got into the spirit with personalized doodles and videos. Every department participated—even finance and nursing—and everyone reported that it made them feel more connected to the organization.

Did thanking them raise more money?

Meredith and her team did a brilliant job of testing the campaign.

They segmented the donors by type and put them into two groups: one group that would get a (thank you) letter and another that didn’t. They then tracked the level of donations from those groups, how many of them were still giving to the organization in the future, and what the level of their gifts were. In other words, they looked at retention and future gifts among both groups.

Ultimately those who were thanked gave £20 (about $25 USD) MORE than those who were not thanked.

To make it even more mission-friendly, Meredith explained that those results meant that for every 15 minutes of thanking by staff members, they were able to pay for an extra hour of nursing care.

On top of launching a new and successful GivingTuesday campaign in a brand new market, Meredith exceeded all her goals: delighting volunteers and donors, inspiring them to give more, bringing diverse teams together in a culture of philanthropy, and perhaps best of all—she made it easy so no one was overwhelmed in a busy end-of-year season.

Learn more about Meredith and her favorite GivingTuesday campaigns on Sofii.

How can you celebrate your volunteers and donors this GivingTuesday?

My friend Brock Warner, CFRE at Broccoli, and author of From the Ground Up: Digital Fundraising for Nonprofits, teases me because I love to brag on his brilliant quote:

“One thing humans never tire of is being the recipient of honest, heartfelt gratitude. Like a timeless piece of music, gratitude has an incredibly long half-life. The opportunity to surprise and delight donors simply by saying thank you is present more often than you might think.”

If you’re feel stressed that GivingTuesday feels like an “Asking Tuesday,” consider making it a Thanking Tuesday instead!

Drop your comments about plans or campaigns that have inspired you in the comment section below.  

The post Let Volunteers Shine (And Inspire Gifts) On GivingTuesday appeared first on Bloomerang.

We must do better.

GivingTuesday’s “Data Commons” says something similar in their report “Rethinking Resilience: Insights from the Giving Ecosystem.”

Yet general statistics don’t have to be your reality! 

Rachel Muir’s terrific post, Four Strategies to Retain Your #GivingTuesday Donors, shares her thoughts on this vital subject.

Here’s how you can beat the odds.

Keep the momentum going after GivingTuesday

Keep the momentum going and continue engaging your supporters. Take these steps to have a stellar post-GivingTuesday:

1. Reflect and analyze

Review your results from GivingTuesday, including the total amount raised, donor demographics, and the success of your different approaches and social media channels. Share the hard data with your Development Committee and have a conversation about it. By taking this step you’re infusing data-driven strategic thinking into your fundraising program. Use your data from GivingTuesday to inform your post-GivingTuesday strategy. Refine your approach for next year by learning from what worked and what didn’t.

2. Thank your donors the day after

Express your gratitude to GivingTuesday donors promptly. Send personalized thank-you messages, emails, or letters to acknowledge their support—even if you have an automated email acknowledgement message. Make phone calls or send text messages that solely express your thanks. That alone will make you stand out.

3. Share the impact

Share the impact of your GivingTuesday donations. Update your supporters on how their contributions are making a difference and achieving your organization’s goals. Remind them of your initial GivingTuesday goals.

4. Consider doubling

Try using a crowdfunding platform to ask a new segment of your past supporters to match the GivingTuesday contributions. You segmented your donor list based on their giving history, interests, and engagement level, right? Plus, you customized your messaging for each group to increase relevance and impact, correct? If not, commit to doing so going forward.

5. Engage your supporters

Encourage your supporters to become advocates for your cause. Ask them to share their stories and experiences with your organization and invite others to contribute.

6. Take advantage of matching gifts

Partner with corporations or major donors to offer matching gift opportunities. You may inspire more people to donate, knowing their contribution will be doubled. A service like Double the Donation can help you streamline this effort.

7. Consider: What if every Tuesday was GivingTuesday?

#GivingEveryTuesday is a series of weekly opportunities to come together to give, volunteer, and show kindness in shared moments with communities, causes, and countries around the world. Developed by the GivingTuesday leader community, #GivingEveryTuesday offers opportunities to increase civic participation, drive giving, and build connection and empathy. They’ve done the work for you! Subscribe here and follow their calendar.

8. Provide regular updates

Keep your supporters informed about the progress of your post-GivingTuesday campaign, and what’s ahead for your year-end giving. Share updates, success stories, donor giving stories, and milestones. This is the work retaining your donors!

9. Optimize for mobile

Make sure your fundraising efforts are mobile-friendly, as many people donate online and with mobile devices.

10. Follow up with non-donors

Don’t forget to follow up with individuals who didn’t donate on GivingTuesday. Send them directed messages explaining the ongoing need and how their contribution can make a difference. Find out why they’re missing in action by using a donor survey.

11. Sustain engagement

How many of your GivingTuesday donors joined your monthly giving program? If they haven’t, invite them to join so as to encourage their long-term support. Regular engagement maintains relationships with donors.

12. Evaluate and adjust

Continuously monitor the performance of your post-GivingTuesday campaign and make adjustments as needed. Use those analytics and donor feedback to refine your strategy.

13. Express gratitude again

After your post-GivingTuesday plan or year-end drive concludes, make sure to express gratitude to your donors and share the final results, so they know the impact of their support.

Remember that post-GivingTuesday fundraising is an opportunity to build on the momentum generated on GivingTuesday and sustain your organization’s funding. By following a well-structured plan and engaging your supporters effectively, you can continue to raise funds and make a meaningful impact.

Please let us know how you make out by sharing your experiences below.

The post Your “Day After” GivingTuesday Plan appeared first on Bloomerang.