The Year-End Giving Checklist for Nonprofit Fundraising

A guide to keep you on track for your nonprofit’s most successful year-end. 

The final months of the year are the most critical for nonprofit fundraising. Between Giving

Tuesday and December 31st, many organizations bring in the bulk of their annual donations – with as much as 30% arriving in December alone.

Amidst holiday events and travel, the pressure to meet fundraising goals can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan in place, the season doesn’t have to be stressful.

To help you stay ahead and on track, we created The Year-End Giving Checklist for Nonprofit Fundraising – a month-by-month roadmap that breaks down what to prioritize (and when) so you can approach year-end fundraising with clarity, confidence, and impact.

This checklist is more than just a to-do list, it’s a tool to:

• Plan smarter: Align your Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns, so you have the creative direction, messaging, and data you need to maximize results.

• Expand and engage effectively: From new prospects to major donors, the checklist guides you on how and when to segment communications to personalize outreach.

• Save time and resources: By following a timeline, you’ll reduce last-minute stress and focus on what matters most – connecting with donors!

  
  

From September to December, each section is designed to help you stay organized and unlock the full potential of your donor data, while positioning your organization for long-term success.

Why use this checklist?

Grassroots Analytics works with nonprofits of all sizes to make fundraising data-driven, efficient, and sustainable, so you’re reaching your message to the right people. Whether you’re running your first Giving Tuesday campaign or refining a long-standing year-end strategy, this resource is designed to meet you where you are and help your organization grow.

Here’s a preview of the planning ahead:

September- Setting up for Success 

With just four months left in the year, there’s no better time to start ramping up your fundraising efforts for your final push. September is the month to set the stage for a strong year-end season by defining your fundraising goals and planning cross-channel initiatives with strategic guidance. Prioritizing donor acquisition early gives you time to onboard supporters and engage them meaningfully throughout the fall! Thoughtful preparation now sets you up to enter the busiest months confident, organized, and ready to maximize impact

October- Putting it all Together 

If September was about gathering the pieces, October is about building the frame. This is the month to take your strategy from concept to execution. Outline your nonprofit’s campaign direction and develop a strategic content plan to engage donors across every giving channel – from email and text to your website and direct mail appeals. With these steps in place, your Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns will be cohesive, targeted, and ready to inspire support.

November- Gratitude and Engagement 

November is all about showing appreciation and deepening connections with your supporters. This is the month to express gratitude for the progress made possible by donor contributions and to highlight what’s still needed to achieve year-end goals.

For prospective donors and outside audiences, November is the perfect time to showcase evidence of your impact. Share compelling stories, testimonials, and visuals to build social proof and inspire engagement. By focusing on both gratitude and engagement, you can energize your community and create momentum heading into the busiest month of the year.

December- Go Time for Year-End Giving

It’s the home stretch! December is where all your planning comes to life. With all of your appeals optimized and ready to go, celebrate the excitement of the day with peace of mind that your fundraising tools are all in place to capture every opportunity. 

After Giving Tuesday on December 2, shift focus to year-end fundraising: review donor data, retarget supporters and refine your appeals for maximum impact. With careful follow-up and attention to donor engagement, December is your chance to finish strong and set the stage for a successful new year.

January- Wrap-Up and Renew

January is the time to pause, reflect, and set the stage for a strong year ahead. Review your year-end and Giving Tuesday campaigns to analyze what worked and use these insights to set fresh fundraising goals for the new year. By starting the new year with clear planning, you’re set up for fundraising momentum beyond December. 

Today

These next few months are your nonprofit’s biggest opportunity to make a lasting impact. With a well-thought out plan, you can approach the year-end with clarity and confidence instead of stress. The checklist is here to help you stay organized, connect with donors, and finish the year stronger than ever – because we believe in the everyday work you’re doing to make a meaningful change. 

Download the checklist below to get started today!