For nonprofit leaders, year-end fundraising is the most critical time of the year.

In fact, 31% of all annual giving happens in December. This means that nearly a third of your yearly donations may arrive in just one month. 

If you want to step up your game and make this your best donation year yet, now is the time to plan your year-end fundraising strategy.

In this article, we’ll share practical year-end fundraising tips for nonprofits, including how to create a year-end fundraising plan and best nonprofit fundraising strategies for December. 1. Optimize Your Email Timing for Year-End Giving

Email is one of the most effective tools for fundraising campaigns. Which means that email strategy and timing is extremely important. Most organizations send year-end appeals between 7 a.m. and noon, which often means your message gets lost in overflowing inboxes.

Instead of sending emails when other nonprofits are, try sending your message earlier in the morning, later in the day, or even on weekends. And if you are going to send a “last chance to give” email, send it on December 31, when urgency is highest and it really is the last chance to donate.

2. Plan Your December Fundraising Campaign Early

If you want your fundraising campaign to be successful, start planning months in advance. Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" and that saying is so true especially in the nonprofit world. So, if you’re wondering how to create a year-end fundraising plan, the answer is to start preparing now.

Really use September and October to build your strategy, set clear fundraising goals, and segment your donor lists. Planning ahead allows your nonprofit to run smoother, more efficient campaigns. Planning ahead will also help you spend December focusing on engagement instead of scrambling to pull things together. So, make Ben Franklin proud and start your preparation for fundraising success early.

3. Engage Donors With Compelling Stories

You may have heard this before, but it really is important to remember. Donors give because they care. The most effective year-end fundraising strategies include storytelling that shows impact. Point out how your donors' gifts directly further your mission and create real outcomes.

Invite your supporters to become part of your mission's story instead of just simply asking for donations. Showing donors the real results of their giving increases both engagement and creates loyal fans. 

Here are a few tips on just exactly how to use storytelling for your nonprofit.

4. Thank Donors Early and Often

Good donor stewardship is the key to every successful nonprofit fundraising campaign. Saying “thank you” early and often helps keep donors engaged and can even encourage them to give again. Even a last-minute donation on December 31 deserves a quick thank you.

Being specific in your thanks also makes a big difference. When you show donors that you noticed their exact gift, it proves that you’re not only grateful, but also organized and careful with their support.

When gratitude is consistent, relationships grow stronger, and that sets you up for a successful new year.

Don’t Ignore December 30th & 31st

Here’s a critical insight for your December fundraising strategy:

More donations happen on December 30th and 31st than on Giving Tuesday.

These two days are absolutely key to hitting your annual fundraising goals.

In order to prepare and make the most of these last two days in the year, make sure that your emails, website, and donation processing systems are ready for a wave of donations. 

Make This December Your Most Successful Fundraising Season Yet

Year-end fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With careful planning, smart email timing, compelling donor stories, and consistent gratitude, your nonprofit can raise more money in December, strengthen donor relationships, and set up a strong start for the new year.

If you’re ready to implement the best nonprofit fundraising strategies for December, AmPhil can help you create a customized year-end plan that increases giving and engages your donors meaningfully.