You know the year-end fundraising season is going to come up fast again. And you probably already have some pieces of your campaign in place from last year. Maybe you’re reusing last year’s GivingTuesday copy, because it worked just fine.
Everything is moving along the way it usually does.
But if you’re waiting until late November to reach out to donors, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to amplifi your results.
Fall isn’t just a warm-up for the year-end. It’s your chance to get ahead without overhauling your strategy. The most successful nonprofits use this time to reconnect with donors, build momentum, and make sure their campaigns don’t feel like they’re coming out of nowhere.
Fall fundraising isn’t about a flashy theme or an in-depth campaign. You just need a plan that helps donors stay connected and ready to give.
FREE eBOOK: Your nonprofit’s hollistic approach to GivingTuesday.
A few touchpoints can make a huge impact.
You know prospective donors don’t give the first time you reach out. And you should think similarly about donors who haven’t heard from you in a while. They need to feel like they’re an important part of your story and see how those donations are making an impact.
A quick update in September or October gives donors a reason to pay attention again.
It builds context and connection and helps your year-end appeal feel more like the next step in a conversation and less like a cold email asking for money.
Simplicity is the secret to successful fundraising. So, start small with a short message that shares a recent win, a personal note that previews what’s ahead, or even a simple thank-you email to let donors know you’re thinking of them. These early touchpoints will help you stay top-of-mind when the giving season ramps up.
LEARN MORE: When communications flow, relationships grow!
Don’t stop what’s working.
There’s a lot of pressure on fundraisers right now and we’re all looking for ways to achieve more with fewer resources. But that doesn’t mean you should alter strategies or cut key communications that worked for you in the past.
Fall fundraising doesn’t replace your current plan, it strengthens it. Adding one or two intentional touchpoints now can help your year-end message rise above the noise, especially in inboxes flooded with appeals.
And you may find some small adjustments make a big difference.
So, carve out some time this fall to speak with your most loyal donors and ask them for help reaching more people on GivingTuesday. They might be excited to serve as a social ambassador!
Reach out to lapsed donors to remind them they’re still an important part of your mission and let them know what you’ve been up to since their last gift.
And send monthly donors an exclusive update showing what their ongoing support is achieving right now.
Strategies like these don’t require you to reinvent the wheel. But you do need to think a few steps ahead about your fall fundraising strategy to squeeze them in.
LEARN MORE: Achieving more with less amid economic uncertainty.
You work harder when you wait.
Nonprofits that skip reaching out to donors in the fall scramble in November. They’re left trying to fit everything into one or two messages and wondering why donors don’t respond.
The best campaigns don’t rely on one big push.
They spread things out by creating natural lead-ins and building trust before the ask. The result? Better engagement and less last-minute stress.
Adding another message can feel like too much when you’re already juggling a lot. But the truth is, one well-timed email in October can save you hours of scrambling later.
LEARN MORE: It’s time to plan your GivingTuesday campaign.
Stay on your donors’ minds.
As always, fundraising is all about reaching the right donors, with the right message, at the right time. So, keep this in mind when prioritizing your fall fundraising communications.
Think about which donors haven’t heard from you in a while and start there. And don’t sweat if you’d answer that with “most of them.” It’s been a busy, long summer. And it’s much better to have this revelation now than in November!
Remember, you’re not trying to make a big splash. Your fall fundraising strategy should be about being present and building momentum.
One or two small nudges before the year-end fundraising frenzy will help your nonprofit stand out and transition donors smoothly into GivingTuesday and your year-end appeal.
Click here to talk through some more ideas with an amplifi development strategist!
