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3 Ways to Connect with Your Donors Before Year-End

As the giving season approaches, fundraisers are busy preparing for the most important part of their year. If the months have flown by and you haven’t connected with your donors as much as you’d like, now is the perfect moment to re-engage. 

The lead-up to year-end is an ideal time to warm up your donor base. While many organizations plan major events to build excitement, even smaller gestures can help foster connections. This article explores three creative and easy ways you can engage your donors before making your big year-end ask. 

Why It’s Important to Engage Donors Before Year-End

Every seasoned fundraiser knows that building relationships is key for successful fundraising. 

Imagine you donated to an organization in December of last year, heard nothing from them, and then received another appeal in November of this year. You would likely feel disconnected from the organization. This highlights a key point: donors need to feel valued and involved, not just at giving time but throughout the year. 

Instead, your nonprofit should aim to connect with your donors as frequently as possible. Let them know what your organization has been able to accomplish with their support, and ensure they understand the important role they play in your overall success. 

This cannot be achieved with a single appeal. You should be delivering impact, building community, and making your donors the heroes of your story as much as possible before asking them to give again. This consistent engagement lays the foundation for a more successful year-end campaign.

Three Simple and Creative Ways to Connect with Your Donors Before Year-End

If your organization doesn’t have a major event planned, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to foster connections. Here are three effective, affordable ways to engage your donors before the year comes to a close:

Host an Open House with Coffee and Donuts

An open house is a great opportunity to invite constituents into your space. It allows them to see first hand where your hard work takes place and meet the team behind the mission. 

  • Why it works: People love a behind-the-scenes look at organizations they support. Your staff can share stories about your recent accomplishments and be available to answer questions from donors. This personal interaction can help donors feel more connected and appreciated. 
  • How to do it: Keep it simple with coffee, donuts, and a few key walking points that highlight what you have achieved with their support. If your space allows, offer a brief tour so visitors can experience the heart of your organization.

Host a Virtual Happy Hour & Presentation

For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual event can be just as impactful. Hosting a virtual happy hour with a presentation about your nonprofit’s successes is a cost-effective way to share your impact with a wider audience.

  • Why it works: Virtual events are convenient and accessible, allowing you to reach donors wherever they are. Plus, you can easily record the event and share afterwards. This is especially beneficial to nonprofits who cast a wider donor net by not being niched to a local area. 
  • How to do it: Create a simple presentation that highlights your nonprofit’s main accomplishments for the year. Leave time for a Q&A at the end to get donors further engaged. You can also share the recording via email or social media to expand your visibility.

Rent a Booth at a Local Event

Take advantage of community events like fairs, farmer’s markets, or festivals to engage with new and existing donors. Renting a booth at one of these events is an easy way to increase visibility and connect face-to-face with people in your area. (Don’t forget to ask about nonprofit discounted rates). 

  • Why it works: Fall is a busy season for local events, which provide a chance to interact with donors in a casual, friendly setting. Plus, community events offer a built in audience who are already engaged or curious. 
  • How to do it: Make your booth interactive with games, puzzles, or visual displays that draw people in and explain your mission. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside of the box, you want to provide an enticing way to bring people to your booth without feeling too pushy.

Final Thoughts

As you gear up for the year-end giving season, it’s important to prioritize connecting with your donors. Whether through in-person events, virtual presentations, or community outreach, these small but impactful gestures will ensure your supporters feel appreciated and ready to give when the time comes. Keep donors engaged throughout the year, and when the ask arrives, they’ll be more than willing to continue supporting your mission.

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