Essential Steps Nonprofits Should Take to Prepare for GivingTuesday
Estimated reading time: 9 minute(s)
As GivingTuesday approaches, preparation is key to maximizing your impact and engaging your supporters. By taking a strategic approach, you can create a campaign that inspires action. Thoughtful planning ensures that your messaging is consistent, your outreach is targeted, and your resources are used efficiently, setting the stage for a successful, impactful GivingTuesday.
Step 1: Summarize your historic value
Clarify and highlight your organization’s contributions by detailing the progress you’ve made toward your goals and the important work that still lies ahead. Be ready to explain how you plan to allocate your budget to support future initiatives, ensuring transparency and purpose in every dollar spent.
Whether through digital channels or in-person events, maintaining a unified and engaging message across all platforms will help your team communicate a consistent story during this crucial season.
Step 2: Define your goals for the year
Start by setting measurable targets that define what success looks like for your GivingTuesday campaign. Develop a clear budget that outlines how much you can invest in marketing, outreach, and campaign activities to maximize your impact. One effective way to define your goals for the year is by creating “SMART” goals. The chart below outlines the key components of SMART goals:
| S | Specific – clearly define what you want to achieve |
| M | Measurable – set a target you can track (dollars raised, donors gained, volunteers recruited) |
| A | Achievable – make it realistic, given your donor base and timeline |
| R | Relevant – ensure it aligns with your mission and current priorities |
| T | Time-bound – set a deadline (e.g., by the end of Giving Tuesday or the fiscal year) |
Step 3: Identify your ideal donors
Begin by segmenting your donors to gain a deeper understanding of who they are and how to connect with them effectively. Whether you are focusing on specific donor types or a trusted list of consistent supporters, identify each group so you can share personalized updates about how their past contributions have made an impact.
Strengthen your digital presence by simplifying the donation process, adding mobile-friendly or text-to-give options, and ensuring your organization is visible on GivingTuesday and other major donor platforms.
Finally, leverage your marketing channels by delivering a unified, engaging message across your website, social media, and email campaigns to build trust and inspire continued support.
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Ultimately, a successful GivingTuesday campaign is about more than just raising funds. It is about demonstrating transparency, accountability, and the real impact of your organization’s work. We make it easier for nonprofits to manage finances, stay compliant, and streamline payroll for employees and contractors, allowing you to focus on storytelling, donor engagement, and strategic growth. By combining careful planning, clear goals, and the right resources, you can ensure that every contribution counts and that your organization continues to build trust and inspire supporters year-round. Learn more about how to use your 990 to display your mission and vision.
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