As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to make a final push for donations, especially during the holiday season. Have you met your fundraising goal for the year? If not, now is the time to start.
With a little planning, you can make sure your end of year giving campaign is a success. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan:
Establish event fundraising goals
When it comes to fundraising, especially during the end-of-year giving season, it’s important to have clear and achievable goals in mind. This will help you determine how much money you need to raise and what kind of fundraising events will be most successful. Set these goals early and use them to create a timeline of projects that need to be accomplished before your event.
It’s important to note that the last three days of the year, December 29, 30, and 31 are the top giving days in the entire calendar year. In fact, 10% of giving occurs on these three days. Keep these factors in mind when deciding when to launch your fundraising campaign, and you’ll be on your way to a successful end-of-year fundraising drive.
Some factors to consider when setting your event fundraising goals include:
- How much money do you need to raise?
- What is your fundraising deadline?
- What are the costs associated with your fundraising event?
- How many people do you expect to attend your event?
- What is the average donation amount you hope to receive?
By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can set fundraising goals that are realistic and attainable. This will help ensure that your fundraising event is a success and that you reach your end-of-year giving goals!
Create a theme
When it comes to choosing a theme for your end of year giving campaign, fundraising goals, and board members should all be taken into consideration. This is because the end of year giving campaign is one of the most important fundraising activities that your organization will undertake.
Your end of year giving campaign should have a specific purpose and goal. This will help to ensure that your fundraising efforts are successful. For example, if you are looking to raise money for a specific project or need, make sure that your campaign reflects this. Be sure to include information about the project or need in all of your fundraising materials.
Your end of year giving campaign should also be designed to create empathy with your donors. This means that you will need to choose a theme that resonates with them on a personal level. Consider their interests, passions, and values when choosing a theme. By doing so, you will be more likely to engage them in your fundraising efforts.
Build a campaign or donation page
When it comes to fundraising, your donation page is key. A good donation page will be clear, concise, and easy to use. It will make it easy for potential donors to find information about your organization and make a donation. It should also have a strong call to action that motivates donors to give. Here are some questions to ask when assessing your fundraising donation page:
- Is the page easy to navigate?
- Is the page mobile-friendly?
- Is the donation process quick and easy?
- Is there a clear call to action?
- Does the page inspire trust and confidence?
Your campaign or donation page should include information about your organization, as well as how their donation will be used. Be sure to include images and videos to make your page more engaging.
With a well-designed campaign or donation page, you can make the most of the end-of-year giving season and raise more money for your organization. Platforms like MaxGiving make this easier than ever. With this powerful event fundraising software on your team, you can create a beautiful, functional event site for your nonproft with ease.
Get core supporters behind your campaign
It’s important to get key supporters behind your fundraising campaign for end of year giving. Having a core group of supporters will help ensure the success of your fundraising activities and appeals. Board members, donors, and others can help by sharing the campaign with their networks, promoting the campaign on social media, and making a donation. Remind your supporters that charitable donations made before the end of the year are tax-deductible and can be a great way to reduce their taxes.
Thank your donors
This is the time of year when people are thinking about their charitable donations for the previous year. Many donors wait until the end of the year to make their final decisions about where to give.
If you haven’t thanked your donors yet, now is the time! Donors who feel appreciated are more likely to give again. Plus, thanking your donors before the end of the year has other benefits too.
For example, if you’re a public charity, donors who give cash contributions before the end of the year can take a tax deduction for their donations on their taxes next year. This is a great incentive for donors to give sooner rather than later.
And if you’re fundraising for a specific campaign or project, thanking your donors now can help you reach your fundraising goals. Donors who see the impact of their gifts are more likely to give again.
So don’t wait until next year to thank your donors. Show your appreciation now. Make sure to keep your donors updated by sending a year in review highlight recap or video or picture presentation that allows them to see how their donations made an impact.
Create a solid communication plan
To take advantage of this giving season, nonprofits need to have a solid communication plan in place. Here are a few tips for creating a communication plan for your end of year fundraising drive:
- Figure out who your audience is. Who do you want to reach with your fundraising message? Knowing your target audience will help you craft more effective communications.
- Decide what channels you’ll use. Will you be sending out email appeals? Creating social media posts? Designing print materials? Make a list of all the channels you’ll use to reach your audience.
- Create your content. Once you know who you’re reaching out to and how you’re going to do it, it’s time to start creating your fundraising materials. Keep your goals in mind as you develop your content so that everything is working towards those objectives.
By following the tips in this article, you can make the most of the end-of-year giving season and reach your goals. Making a successful end of year fundraising campaign doesn’t have to be complicated! MaxGiving’s fundraising software allows you to easily create and track your fundraising goals, accept donations online, and thank your donors for their generosity. So don’t wait, start planning your end-of-year fundraising campaign today!