Q4 Fundraising Checklist – Keep Your Year-End Efforts on Track Without the Overwhelm
The final stretch of the year can feel like a whirlwind—Giving Tuesday, tax deadlines, annual reports...oh my! But here’s the thing: You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through Q4.
With a clear plan, you can hit your fundraising goals and wrap up the year with energy to spare. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you stay focused on what matters most—without the overwhelm.
Launch Your Final Giving Campaigns with a Bang
The big dates—Giving Tuesday and year-end giving—are like the Super Bowl of fundraising. Your donors are ready to give, so meet them where they are! Focus on clear messaging that highlights both urgency (last chance for tax deductions) and impact (how their gift creates real change).
Pro Tip: Be specific about what those dollars will do.
Prepare Your Annual Report to Wow Donors
Your annual report isn’t just a formality—it’s an opportunity to showcase your impact and build trust. Focus on stories, data, and visuals that highlight your wins in 2024. And don’t worry about perfection; make it clear, honest, and visually appealing to keep your audience engaged.
Quick Win: If you’re short on time, create a digital version and send it via email with a personal thank-you note to your top donors and stakeholders. Arreva has a roundup of some of the best annual reports which you can find linked here, check it out for some helpful inspiration.
Develop a Thank-You Plan for Year-End Nurturing
Gratitude is the ultimate power move. Whether it’s donors, sponsors, grant funders, or volunteers—let them know they’ve made a difference. A thoughtful email, a handwritten note, or even a personalized video can leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip: Map out your thank-you touchpoints now, so you’re not scrambling in December or January. A thank-you today = long-term relationships in 2025.
Evaluate Your Time and ROI to Plan for 2025
Before the new year hits, reflect on what worked—and what didn’t—in your fundraising efforts. Did that gala deliver a strong return? Or was your email campaign a hidden gem? Create a simple time vs. ROI matrix to guide where you’ll focus your energy next year. Spend more time on high-impact activities, and let go of what’s not working.
Action Step: Get your team together for a quick strategy session—what should you do more of in 2025? What’s getting cut?
Okay, now take a breath—you’ve got this!
We encourage you to put some of these key activities in place if you haven’t already to help you move into 2025 feeling organized, grateful, and ready to hit the ground running thanks to stronger relationships and added fundraising dollars.
Now, get out there and show the world the magic your incredible organization is making!
