top of page

Kickstart The Year with Effective Fundraising Strategies

By Mitra Karami, Senior Consultant


As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite your fundraising efforts. The momentum from year-end giving can provide a strong foundation for the months ahead, but to capitalize on this, it’s essential to focus on stewardship, donor engagement, and planning. Here are several strategic steps you can take in the first few months of the year to ensure your fundraising momentum continues and your donor relationships stay strong.


1. Send End-of-Year Tax Receipts Promptly

Start the new year off on the right foot by sending tax receipts to your donors as soon as possible. Many of your supporters will likely be expecting these receipts for tax purposes and getting them out quickly shows your organization's appreciation for their contribution.

Make sure the receipts include all necessary information—such as your nonprofit’s tax ID number and donation details. Include a note thanking donors for their generous year-end gifts and briefly highlighting how their contributions made an impact. This is a great opportunity to reinforce the impact of their donation and make them feel appreciated and it also builds a foundation of trust and transparency that encourages future giving.


2. Steward Year-End Donors

Donor stewardship is an ongoing process, but its particularly important following year-end giving when many donors have made their final contributions of the year. Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s crucial to prioritize stewardship for these donors. Stewardship isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about showing them the direct impact of their gift and maintaining a lasting relationship. This is the time to:

  • Personalized Thank You Notes: A handwritten or thoughtfully crafted message can go a long way in reinforcing the donor's value to your mission.

  • Donor Impact Reports: Share a story or update on how their donation made a difference. This could be through a newsletter, email, or even a dedicated report. Include tangible results like the number of people helped, goals met, or new projects launched, so they can see the direct impact of their donations.

  • Involve them further: This could be as simple as inviting year-end donors to special events or sending them updates throughout the year about how their money is being used.

By building a strong stewardship program, you increase the likelihood of repeat gifts, making these donors feel connected to your mission and appreciated. Show your donors that they are part of your nonprofit’s ongoing journey, not just a one-time transaction. Doing so helps nurture long-term relationships and can convert one-time donors into recurring supporters.

 

3. Reach Out to Donors Who Didn’t Give at Year-End

Not everyone will donate during the busy year-end giving season, but don’t let these potential supporters fall off your radar. This is a great time to reach out to those who didn’t make a year-end gift. In your outreach, focus on why their support is important, remind them of the impact they’ve made in the past, and offer them an easy way to contribute. Framing the conversation around your new year’s goals or upcoming initiatives can also reinvigorate their interest. Craft an outreach campaign that:

  • Expresses gratitude: Thank them for their past support, even if it wasn’t recent.

  • Provides updates: Let them know what your nonprofit has achieved in the past year, and how their continued support can make a difference.

  • Invites them to reconnect: If you know that the donor might have missed the year-end giving season, offer them an opportunity to make a contribution now or provide other ways they can support your cause.

In your messaging, make it clear that you value their relationship with your organization, and that their involvement—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—makes a real difference.


4. Meet with Your Board Members to Discuss Engagement

Your board is one of your most valuable assets in any fundraising strategy, so it’s essential to engage them early in the year. January is also the perfect time to meet with your board members to ensure they are on the same page with your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. Discuss strategies for board member engagement throughout the year, including:

  • Personal giving: Discuss their personal contributions and how they can lead by example.

  • Networking: Explore how board members can leverage their networks to open doors to new donors, sponsors, or partners.

  • Fundraising roles: Define clear expectations and assign specific roles to board members—whether it’s attending events, making direct appeals to potential donors, or securing corporate sponsorships.

Getting buy-in from your board is crucial for creating a unified approach to fundraising and engagement. When your board is aligned, it can be an incredible asset to your fundraising efforts. A motivated and engaged board can be a game changer for your fundraising success, so take the time to set expectations and empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.


5. Plan for the Year Ahead: Set Clear Goals

Now that you’re back from the holiday break, it’s time to evaluate your fundraising goals for the new year or second half of your fiscal year. Take a step back to look at where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there.

  • Set specific, measurable goals: Whether it’s increasing your annual fundraising total, diversifying your donor base, or growing a specific program, clear goals will guide your strategy and provide focus.

  • Segment your donors: Take a close look at your donor database to identify different groups (e.g., recurring donors, lapsed donors, major donors, new supporters). Tailor your communication strategies to each group based on their giving history and potential for future involvement.

  • Create a fundraising calendar: Plan out key campaigns, appeals, and events for the year, aligning them with major milestones for your organization. For example, if your nonprofit’s anniversary is in the fall, plan an event or campaign around it.

The key here is to break your large fundraising goals into manageable milestones throughout the year so you can measure progress and adjust as needed. Ensure that you have a balanced fundraising strategy that incorporates multiple channels to reach a diverse audience. Once your goals are established, communicate them with your staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders so everyone is aligned and working toward the same objectives.


6. Start Planning for Spring and Summer Campaigns

As you think about the new year, start planning for upcoming fundraising campaigns, especially those that will take place in the spring and summer. Whether it’s a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, a special event, or a targeted appeal, now is the time to lay the groundwork. Starting early will give you plenty of time to execute these campaigns successfully, without the stress of last-minute planning.


7. Focus on Donor Retention

While it’s important to attract new donors, the cost of retaining existing donors is far less than acquiring new ones. To improve donor retention rates:

  • Personalize communication: Tailor your messaging to your donors, using their name and referring to their past support.

  • Create a donor loyalty program: Recognize your most loyal donors with special perks, recognition, or exclusive updates to make them feel valued and engaged.

  • Be transparent: Share the challenges and triumphs of your nonprofit. The more transparent you are with your donors, the more they will trust you, and the more likely they will stay with you for the long haul.


Final Thoughts

Starting the new year with a focus on strategic fundraising will set the tone for a successful year ahead. By prioritizing stewardship, setting clear goals, evaluating your fundraising channels, and meeting with your board, you’ll be able to build strong relationships with your donors and continue to grow your impact. Remember, consistency is key—continue to show your appreciation, communicate your needs, and provide ways for donors to stay involved. With a solid foundation, your organization will be well on its way to achieving its mission in the year ahead.


Happy fundraising!

bottom of page