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December is the busiest giving month of the year, but that doesn’t mean your nonprofit needs a complicated plan to succeed. Whether you’re a small team, a PTA, or a volunteer-run organization, focusing on a few essential actions can help you maximize year-end giving.
This blog highlights the five core tasks every nonprofit should prioritize—the things that can actually move the needle during the most important fundraising weeks of the year.
1. Ensure Your Donation Page Works
This one step will help ensure you donors can give when they want to. Before December 20, test your donation page on:
- mobile
- desktop
- different browsers
- your phone’s data connection
Also be sure to confirm that:
- your thank-you email sends properly
- your page loads quickly
- your payment options work
2. Write Up One Impact Story Before December 31
You don’t need a full campaign. One heartfelt story is enough to inspire action. Stories create connection. Connection drives giving.
Your impact story could be:
- a short paragraph
- a year in review newsletter
- a single photo
- a quick video taken on your phone
- a testimonial
3. Send At Least One Clear Year-End Appeal Email
You do not need a full email series. A single, sincere email sent between December 27–31 can be incredibly effective. You just need one good message that:
- explains your mission
- shares one impact story
- makes a simple request
- links directly to your donation page
4. Make One Social Media Post About Donating Before December 31
People scroll social media constantly during the holidays. One solid post can drive meaningful traffic to your giving page. We recommend pinning the post or adding it to your profile bio.
Keep it simple by doing one or all of the following:
- mention your mission
- share one photo or story
- share your impact story
- include your link
- remind people that gifts made by December 31 are tax-deductible
5. Plan to Thank Donors Within 48 Hours
A fast, sincere thank-you is the easiest way to:
- retain donors
- show credibility
- build trust for next year
Prepare your thank-you message now so you can send it quickly at year-end. Prompt gratitude sets your nonprofit apart. It can be:
- an email
- a short video
- a social post
- a text (if you use text-to-give)
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Lift
If a nonprofit wants to go beyond the essentials, they can add:
- a quick “year-in-review” newsletter
- a handwritten thank-you note for key donors
- a simple donor retention plan for January
Summing up
By focusing on these essentials, your nonprofit can finish the year strong without adding unnecessary stress. Small, intentional actions go a long way in December, and these steps will help you stay organized, connect with donors, and make every gift count.
👉 Explore our full Giving Season Success Center for more helpful resources and links.
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