🍂 Fall Fundraising Kickoff: 3 Things to Do Before Giving Tuesday

Fall is here, and for nonprofits, that means one thing: the busiest fundraising season of the year has arrived. Between Thanksgiving, year-end appeals, and the global movement of Giving Tuesday, the next few months are full of opportunities to engage donors and boost revenue. The key is to prepare now so your organization isn’t scrambling when the big days arrive.

Here are three things you can do this fall to set your nonprofit up for a successful fundraising season:

1. Refresh Your Storytelling

Donors want to know their support makes a difference. Fall is the perfect time to update your stories and impact data so you can share powerful, current examples.

• Gather testimonials from clients, volunteers, or staff.

• Highlight a success story from 2025 that shows how donations directly impacted lives.

• Pair stories with photos or short videos to bring your mission to life.

📌 Pro Tip: Think about what will resonate emotionally with donors during the holiday season — stories of hope, resilience, and transformation often strike the strongest chord.

2. Plan Your Giving Tuesday Campaign Now

Giving Tuesday falls on December 2, 2025, and it’s not just a one-day event — it’s a movement. Organizations that plan early see stronger results.

• Set a specific fundraising goal and tie it to a tangible impact (“$10,000 will provide 200 children with after-school meals”).

• Map out your campaign timeline: when emails go out, when social posts are scheduled, and who is responsible for each task.

• Start creating your campaign assets now — graphics, hashtags, videos — so you’re ready to go live.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to warm up your donors before Giving Tuesday with a short “save the date” email or social post in mid-November.

3. Steward Your Donors Before You Ask

The best year-end fundraising happens when donors already feel connected to your mission. Before you launch appeals, take time this fall to thank and engage your supporters.

• Send a “look what you made possible” update.

• Share behind-the-scenes photos of your team or programs in action.

• Pick up the phone and thank your top donors personally.

📌 Pro Tip: Stewardship doesn’t have to be expensive — authenticity goes further than perfection. A heartfelt thank-you note or short video message can build incredible goodwill.

🍁 Final Thought

Fall fundraising success isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things well, and doing them early. By refreshing your storytelling, planning your Giving Tuesday campaign, and stewarding your donors now, you’ll enter the busiest season of the year with confidence — and set the stage for a strong finish to 2025.

If you need any help with your fundraising strategy or grant writing this fall please CONTACT US we are here to help your nonprofit succeed