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3 Helpful Tips for End of Year Giving

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The end of the year is in sight, and all fundraisers know that December is the biggest season of giving. On average, nonprofit organizations, churches and schools obtain a third of their annual giving during the holiday season. But many fundraisers may not know where to begin as the holiday hustle and bustle picks up. Our latest blog shares 3 helpful tips for your end of year giving plans in 2024 and beyond.

1. Capitalizing on Multi-Channel Giving 

During December, nonprofits are looking for simple ways to maximize their giving and one starts by offering options. Over 70% of donors will give through multiple channels such as in person, by mail, online, via text message or through peer-to-peer payment apps such as venmo or paypal. 

Multi-channel giving is a fundraising strategy where an organization will connect with donors across multiple platforms. This gives your donor base the flexibility to contribute through whichever method is easiest for them. But how do you best communicate this to your community? 

We suggest a multiple touchpoint strategy where you inform your entire community about all the ways they can give back to your organization. For example, if you have a large age demographic at your church, it may benefit from you placing these end of year giving details in both print and digital forms. Print forms may include bulletins and mailers while digital may include social media, email or text message blasts. 

2. Offer Incentives for Donating 

As the year ends, everyone has gifting on their minds. So why not consider gifting your donors during the month of December. Oftentimes, organizations will tie a small gift to a monetary donation to their end of year giving campaigns. For example, if you are trying to increase giving around the Christmas holiday, you could offer a unique ornament for those who contribute on or above a specified amount to your organization’s annual fund. 

Your organization can choose to offer incentives that you may purchase ahead of time such as clothing items, branded gifts or exclusive giveaways. Or, you may choose to offer a special event or access to a meaningful experience. 

Here are a few incentive ideas your organization, school or church may consider as the end of year giving season progresses. 

  • A branded waterbottle or glass 
  • A gathering with your school principal, president or teacher 
  • A blanket or beanie hat with your logo 
  • Exclusive access to an event or luncheon
  • Local food basket delivered to their door by your students or staff 
  • Free tickets to a school sporting event 

3. Personalize Their Giving Experience 

From engraved incentives to handwritten letters, give your final fundraising push a personal touch. Personalizing the fundraising experience can not only deepen donor relationships, but also increase retention for the next year and give your donors a memorable experience. 

According to a study of those who received handwritten letters or notes from fundraising teams, 38% were more likely to donate again in the future. Handwritten notes are just one example of how to personalize your donor’s fundraising experience. You can also send them a special end of year giving card or give them a personal phone call around the holiday season to further establish connection with your donor base. 

It’s Not Too Late To Ramp Up Your End Of Year Giving! 

With only a few weeks left in 2024, opportunity awaits to increase your end of year giving before we move into the new year. We hope these three helpful tips will spark ideas in your fundraising team, and help you increase your end of year giving as the holiday season approaches.

If you are looking for future end of year giving ideas or campaigns, give our team a call to plan an online raffle fundraiser for 2025!