Year-end strategies worth planning now

Year-end campaigns might feel far away, but the groundwork for your biggest fundraising season starts now. Summer is the perfect time to map out messaging, nurture donor relationships, and line up strategies that keep December from feeling like a scramble.

This week’s picks are all about building that foundation — from donor calendars and cultivation plans to insights on messaging that connects impact to urgency.

The take-home template

Planning ahead can turn a hectic year-end season into your smoothest one yet. In this calendar template, we map out key dates, campaign phases, and reminders to help you maximize donations without having to scramble in December.

Snackable snippets

Get your major donors on the path to big EOY giving 📖

Summer is the perfect time to set up major year-end gifts. The Chronicle shares expert advice on identifying top prospects, learning what motivates them, and creating a thoughtful cultivation plan, so year-end asks feel natural, not rushed.

Use summer slump to maximize year-end giving 📖

Don’t let summer slow down your fundraising. This quieter season is a chance to strengthen donor relationships and start laying the groundwork for upcoming campaigns. By segmenting, stewarding, sharing impact, and showing up now, you’ll set yourself up for stronger appeals this fall.

Movements can spark belief + generosity w/ Seth Godin 🎧

In this episode of We Are For Good, Seth Godin explores how real movements start: with empathy, imperfection, and bold action. As he puts it, “If we do what we did yesterday, we won’t get more than we got yesterday. The very reason you are a nonprofit is because you’re doing something that might not work.”

For your inspiration folder

Strong year-end campaigns don’t just come together in December. They start with clear, intentional messaging that links impact to urgency. This GoFundMe Pro roundup shows how getting that story right early can make your appeals feel more focused and inspiring when it matters most.