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December 31 is coming. Is your nonprofit ready?

Here we are again. October. The holidays are around the corner, Giving Tuesday is approaching, and if you're like most nonprofit leaders, you have about 77 things on your to-do list. Somewhere on that list is your year-end fundraising campaign.

Maybe you've started planning. Maybe you've been meaning to start. Or maybe you're hoping you'll somehow find a few extra hours in the day between now and December. Sound familiar?

Here's the good news. You still have time, and you don't need a complicated fundraising strategy, a huge development team, or a massive marketing budget to have a successful year-end campaign. What you do need is a clear plan. You need to know who you're asking, what you're asking for, and why someone should care.

In this post, I'm going to walk you through a practical, 10-week year-end fundraising plan that you can actually follow. I've also included some AI prompts to help you save time along the way, because I know you've got plenty of other things on your plate.

Why Year-End Fundraising Matters So Much

Let's start with a few numbers that should get your attention. According to the M+R Benchmarks 2026 report, nonprofits received 37% of their annual online fundraising revenue in December 2025. That's more than one-third of their online fundraising revenue in a single month! And 10% of their annual online revenue arrived during the final week of the year.

Meanwhile, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project reported that total dollars raised increased in 2025, even as the number of donors declined. What does that mean for your nonprofit? It means your relationships with your existing donors are more important than ever.

Of course, you want new donors. We all do! But please don't get so caught up in finding new supporters that you forget about the people who have already demonstrated that they believe in your mission. Those relationships are worth their weight in gold, and year-end fundraising is one of your best opportunities to strengthen them.

Here's something else I want you to remember. Year-end fundraising isn't about sending a desperate email on December 30 and crossing your fingers. It's about building relationships, sharing your impact, and giving people multiple opportunities to support a mission they care about.

So let's talk about how to make that happen.

Step 1: Set a Fundraising Goal That Actually Means Something

October 22–28

Before you write an appeal, design a graphic, or start planning your Giving Tuesday social media posts, I want you to answer one question. What are you trying to accomplish?

And please don't tell me your goal is to raise as much money as possible. That's not a fundraising goal. That's wishful thinking.

Your goal needs to be specific, measurable, and connected to something your donors understand. For example, instead of simply saying, "We want to raise $50,000 by December 31," try something like, "We need to raise $50,000 to provide 200 families with emergency housing assistance."

See the difference? One tells donors how much money you want. The other tells donors what their money will accomplish. And that's what people care about.

Start by reviewing last year's campaign. How much did you raise? How many people donated? What was your average gift? Which donors gave larger gifts? Were there donors who gave the previous year but didn't give last year?

Use that information to establish a realistic goal. If you raised $30,000 last year, setting a goal of $150,000 without identifying where those additional donations will come from probably isn't your best strategy. Could you raise that much? Maybe. But your goal needs to be supported by an actual plan, not just enthusiasm.

Once you've established your goal, create a simple case for support that explains what you're raising money for and why it matters. This message should guide everything you communicate throughout your campaign, from emails and social media posts to personal conversations with donors.

Your Action Steps

• Review last year's year-end fundraising results.
• Set one clear financial goal.
• Identify what those dollars will support.
• Write a compelling statement explaining why the campaign matters.
• Share your goal and campaign message with your staff and board.

Let AI Help You Set Your Fundraising Goal

Step 2: Stop Treating All Your Donors the Same

October 29–November 4

I want you to think about two donors. One has supported your organization for ten years and gives $5,000 annually. The other made their very first $25 donation three months ago. Should they receive exactly the same year-end fundraising appeal?

Probably not. Yet I see nonprofits do this all the time. They export their entire donor database, write one fundraising email, send it to everyone, and hope for the best.

Here's a better approach. Divide your donors into a few manageable groups based on their giving history and relationship with your organization. You don't need expensive fundraising software or a complicated system to do this. Even a basic spreadsheet can help you be more intentional about your outreach.

Five Donor Groups to Consider

1. Major and mid-level donors

These supporters deserve personal attention. Pick up the phone, schedule a visit, or send a handwritten note. Talk about what their previous support has accomplished and invite them to consider another meaningful gift. For donors who use donor-advised funds, make sure they know your organization can accept those grants, if applicable.

2. Loyal annual donors

These are the people who have consistently supported your mission, sometimes for years. Make sure they know how much you appreciate that loyalty. Remind them what their gifts have made possible and invite them to renew their support.

3. Monthly donors

Your monthly donors are already demonstrating an ongoing commitment to your organization. Thank them for being there month after month, and consider inviting them to make an additional year-end gift. Just remember that these supporters are already giving. Don't make them feel like their regular contributions aren't enough.

4. Lapsed donors

Somewhere along the way, these supporters stopped giving. Maybe their circumstances changed. Maybe they became interested in another cause. Or maybe your organization simply stopped communicating with them. Whatever the reason, reach out and reconnect. A thoughtful message about the impact of their past support is a much better approach than making them feel guilty for not giving.

5. First-time donors

These donors are still getting to know your organization. Your first priority should be helping them feel appreciated and connected to your mission. Share the impact of their first gift and invite them to continue being part of your work.

You don't have to create five completely different fundraising campaigns, but you should make an effort to personalize your communications. Even small changes in your messaging can help donors feel recognized and valued.

And here's one more thing. If you haven't spoken to a major donor all year, please don't make your first conversation a request for money. Relationships need attention before you need something.

Your Action Steps

• Review and update your donor database.
• Divide donors into a few manageable groups.
• Identify supporters who deserve personal outreach.
• Tailor your campaign messages to each group.
• Assign responsibility for donor communications.

Let AI Help You Personalize Your Outreach

Step 3: Give Your Board Something Specific to Do

November 5–11

Ah, board fundraising. One of my favorite topics, and one of the biggest headaches for nonprofit leaders everywhere.

Let me guess. You've told your board how important fundraising is. You've reminded them that they have a responsibility to support the organization. Maybe you've even included fundraising expectations in your board member agreement. And yet, when it's time to actually raise money, you hear crickets.

Here's something I've learned after years of working with nonprofit boards. Many board members aren't unwilling to help with fundraising. They're afraid of it.

They're uncomfortable asking their friends for money. They don't want to appear pushy, they're worried about being rejected, or they simply don't know what to say. And sometimes, we make the situation worse by telling them to "help with fundraising" without explaining exactly what that means.

So let's change that. Instead of giving board members a vague fundraising responsibility, give them a menu of specific activities they can choose from.

Ways Your Board Can Support Year-End Fundraising

• Make a personally meaningful year-end donation.
• Call five donors to thank them for their support.
• Send personal emails to friends and colleagues who may be interested in the mission.
• Introduce the organization to two potential supporters.
• Share campaign posts with a personal message explaining why they serve on the board.
• Help write handwritten thank-you cards.
• Participate in donor appreciation activities.

Notice that not every activity involves asking someone for money. That's intentional. Thanking donors, making introductions, and sharing impact stories are all important fundraising activities, and they're often excellent starting points for board members who are uncomfortable making direct asks.

But here's the catch. You can't simply hand out a list at a board meeting and expect everything to magically happen. Ask each board member to select an activity, provide the tools they need, establish a deadline, and follow up. And when they participate, acknowledge their efforts.

Your goal should be to build a board that becomes increasingly comfortable and confident participating in fundraising, not one that dreads hearing the word.

Your Action Steps

• Ask every board member to make a personally meaningful gift.
• Create a menu of realistic fundraising activities.
• Let board members choose how they'll participate.
• Provide sample messages, scripts, and talking points.
• Set deadlines and follow up on commitments.

Let AI Create Board Fundraising Scripts

Step 4: Write Your Campaign Before December Arrives

November 12–22

I'm going to make a suggestion that could save you a whole lot of stress. Write your fundraising emails before Thanksgiving.

Yes, before Thanksgiving. Not December 15. Not Christmas Eve. Before Thanksgiving.

I know you're busy, but imagine heading into December knowing your campaign emails are already written, your social media posts are scheduled, and your donation page has been tested. Wouldn't that be nice?

One of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make is treating their year-end fundraising campaign like a single event rather than an ongoing series of communications. They send an appeal, wait for donations, and maybe send another email if the response is disappointing.

Your donors need multiple opportunities to hear from you, understand the impact of your work, and make a gift. That doesn't mean you should flood their inboxes with the same message every other day. It means creating a thoughtful communication plan that gives each message a purpose.

A Simple Five-Email Fundraising Campaign

Email 1: Tell a compelling story. Introduce supporters to a real person, family, or community your organization serves. Help them understand the need and the difference their support can make.

Email 2: Show the impact. Explain what donations accomplish. If possible, connect different gift amounts to specific outcomes based on your actual program costs.

Email 3: Share your progress. Let donors know how the campaign is going and what remains to be accomplished. If you have a legitimate matching gift opportunity, this is a great time to share it.

Email 4: Send a friendly reminder. Keep this message short and focused. Revisit the need and remind supporters how they can help.

Email 5: Make your final year-end appeal. On December 31, send a clear message explaining that it's the last day of your campaign and inviting donors to participate.

As you develop these messages, remember to focus on the donor's role in making your work possible. Yes, your organization needs funding, but people give because they want to make a difference. Show them how they can do that.

Don't Forget Your Donation Page

While you're planning your campaign, I want you to do something that may seem obvious but is often overlooked. Pull out your phone and make a donation to your own organization.

Seriously. Go through the entire process and pay attention to the experience. Is your donation button easy to find? Does the page load quickly? Can donors complete their gifts without creating an account or filling out unnecessary information? Is monthly giving an option?

If making a donation feels like applying for a mortgage, you have some work to do.

You should also make sure your automated receipts are working properly and that someone is responsible for monitoring online donations throughout the campaign. The last thing you want is to discover on December 31 that your donation form stopped working three days earlier.

Your Action Steps

• Draft your year-end fundraising appeal.
• Prepare a series of fundraising emails.
• Create and schedule social media posts.
• Test your donation page on a mobile device.
• Confirm that donation receipts are working.
• Assign responsibility for monitoring campaign responses.

Let AI Help Write Your Fundraising Emails

Step 5: Make Giving Tuesday Work for Your Nonprofit

December 1, 2026

Let's talk about Giving Tuesday. This year's Giving Tuesday falls on December 1, and it's a wonderful opportunity to encourage generosity, engage supporters, and introduce new people to your mission.

In fact, GivingTuesday reported that Americans donated approximately $4 billion on Giving Tuesday in 2025. That's an impressive demonstration of generosity, and it's easy to understand why nonprofits want to participate.

But here's something I want every nonprofit leader to hear. You do not have to create an entirely separate Giving Tuesday campaign.

Especially if you're a small nonprofit with limited staff and resources. You don't need to exhaust yourself trying to organize an elaborate 24-hour fundraising event just because other organizations are doing one.

Instead, consider using Giving Tuesday as the official kickoff for your year-end fundraising campaign. Share a compelling story, invite supporters to make a gift, ask board members to participate, and create some excitement around your fundraising goal.

If you have a major donor or local business willing to provide a matching gift, that's another great way to encourage participation. Just be sure the match is real, the terms are clear, and you explain exactly how it works.

Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity, but it's one day. Your year-end campaign is an entire season. Don't use up all your energy on December 1 and forget about the other 30 days.

Step 6: Don't Miss the Final Days of the Year

December 29–31

Here's something that surprises many nonprofit leaders. Some of your supporters are going to wait until the very last minute to make their year-end donations. Not because they don't care, but because they're busy, they're traveling, they're distracted, or they simply keep meaning to get around to it.

That's why the final days of December deserve special attention. According to M+R Benchmarks 2026, approximately 10% of annual online fundraising revenue in 2025 arrived during the final week of the year, with 4% arriving on December 31 alone.

If your nonprofit stops communicating after Christmas, you could be missing an important fundraising opportunity. Instead, plan a focused series of year-end reminders that make it easy for supporters to take action.

Your Final Three-Day Fundraising Plan

December 29: Send an email reminding supporters of your campaign goal, the progress you've made, and what their donation can accomplish.

December 30: Share another brief message with a compelling impact story or campaign update. Consider having board members personally reach out to supporters who may still want to participate.

December 31: Send your final appeal with a clear donation link and a straightforward reminder that your year-end campaign closes today.

During these final days, make sure someone is monitoring your online donation system and responding to donor questions. You should also be prepared to acknowledge donations promptly, especially larger gifts from donors who may appreciate a personal confirmation.

And please don't manufacture urgency. December 31 is already a legitimate campaign deadline. You don't need to invent a fake matching gift or pretend your programs are closing tomorrow.

Tell donors the truth about what you're trying to accomplish, where you stand, and how they can help. A compelling mission and an honest request are powerful fundraising tools.

Step 7: Please Don't Forget to Say Thank You

December through January

Can we talk about something that drives me a little crazy? Nonprofits work incredibly hard to get donations. They send emails, make phone calls, organize events, write appeals, and share stories. Then someone makes a gift, and what do they receive?

An automated tax receipt. That's it.

Please don't let that be your nonprofit. A tax receipt is not donor stewardship. It's documentation of a transaction, and while it's important, it's not the same as making someone feel genuinely appreciated.

When donors support your organization, they're telling you something important. They believe in your mission, they trust you to use their money wisely, and they want to be part of making something good happen. That's a relationship worth nurturing.

You don't need an elaborate donor appreciation program to make people feel valued. Sometimes a heartfelt phone call, a handwritten note, or a personal email can make a bigger impression than an expensive recognition event.

Simple Ways to Thank Your Donors

• Send a warm, personal thank-you message promptly after receiving a gift.
• Ask board members to make donor appreciation calls.
• Personally contact major donors within 48 hours whenever possible.
• Share your campaign results and celebrate what donors helped accomplish.
• Provide meaningful updates about the impact of their support.
• Continue communicating throughout the year, not just when you need another donation.

And please pay special attention to your first-time donors. You worked hard to introduce these people to your organization, so don't disappear after they make their first gift.

Help them feel connected to your mission, show them how their support is making a difference, and continue building the relationship. When the time is right, you can invite them to consider becoming monthly donors.

Because sustainable fundraising isn't about constantly finding new people to ask for money. It's also about taking good care of the people who already believe in what you're doing.

Let AI Help Create Your Donor Follow-Up Plan

Your 10-Week Year-End Fundraising Checklist

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don't be. You don't have to accomplish everything at once, and you certainly don't have to do it all yourself.

The key is to break your campaign into manageable activities, put them on the calendar, and make sure someone is responsible for getting them done.

I encourage you to share this checklist with your staff and board. Assign names to tasks, set realistic deadlines, and review your progress each week.

Remember, a simple fundraising plan that actually gets implemented is far more valuable than an elaborate strategy that sits in a folder somewhere.

Five Year-End Fundraising Mistakes I Want You to Avoid

Before we wrap up, let's talk about a few common mistakes that can cost nonprofits valuable donations. I've seen organizations make every one of these mistakes, and the good news is that they're all preventable.

1. Waiting until December to get started. I know you're busy, but the longer you wait, the fewer opportunities you have to connect with your supporters. Even if you can't accomplish everything on this list, start with the most important activities and build from there.

2. Making your entire appeal about your nonprofit. Your donors already know your organization needs money. What they really want to understand is why their support matters. Show them the difference they can make and give them a reason to feel excited about participating.

3. Forgetting about your current donors. Please don't spend all your energy trying to attract new donors while your loyal supporters feel ignored. Your existing donors have already demonstrated their commitment, and those relationships deserve continued attention.

4. Expecting your board to fundraise without guidance. If you want board members to participate, give them clear expectations, practical tools, and activities that match their comfort levels. Help them become successful fundraising partners rather than assuming they already know what to do.

5. Going silent after donations arrive. Your year-end campaign may end on December 31, but your relationships with donors shouldn't. A thoughtful stewardship plan helps turn one-time gifts into lasting support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Year-End Fundraising

When should nonprofits start planning their year-end fundraising campaigns?

Ideally, nonprofits should begin planning in September so they have enough time to set goals, prepare donor communications, involve their boards, and organize their campaigns. But if you're reading this in late October, you're not too late. Start with your fundraising goal, identify your donor audiences, and create a simple calendar outlining what needs to happen between now and December 31.

How much of annual fundraising happens at the end of the year?

According to M+R Benchmarks 2026, nonprofits received approximately 37% of their annual online fundraising revenue in December 2025, with 10% arriving during the final week of the year. Results vary by organization and fundraising channel, but the data demonstrates why December is such an important month for many nonprofits.

What's the best day to send a year-end fundraising appeal?

There isn't one perfect day that works for every nonprofit. Giving Tuesday and the final days of December are important fundraising opportunities, but your results will depend on your donors, messaging, and communication strategy. Rather than relying on a single email, develop a series of thoughtful appeals that give supporters multiple opportunities to participate.

How many year-end fundraising emails should we send?

There's no magic number, but five thoughtfully planned emails between Giving Tuesday and December 31 can be a reasonable starting point for many nonprofits. Each message should have a purpose, whether that's sharing an impact story, providing a campaign update, or making a final appeal. Pay attention to how your audience responds and adjust your communication frequency accordingly.

Do we have to participate in Giving Tuesday?

Absolutely not. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity, not an obligation. If your organization doesn't have the capacity to organize a separate campaign, consider using December 1 as the kickoff for your overall year-end fundraising efforts. The important thing is choosing a strategy that makes sense for your organization and its resources.

Can we use AI to help with our year-end fundraising campaign?

Absolutely! AI can help you brainstorm campaign ideas, develop fundraising messages, create donor communications, and organize your campaign calendar. Just remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for your experience and relationships. Review everything for accuracy, avoid sharing confidential donor information, and make sure your final communications reflect your organization's authentic voice. For more ready-to-use prompts, see 5 AI Prompts Every Nonprofit Fundraiser Should Be Using.

What if our nonprofit has a very small staff and almost no marketing budget?

Keep it simple and focus on what matters most. Choose one clear fundraising goal, connect personally with your existing supporters, involve your board, and create a manageable communications plan. You don't need an elaborate campaign to be effective. Sometimes a thoughtful email, a meaningful phone call, or a handwritten note can make a tremendous difference.

What if we don't reach our year-end fundraising goal?

First, don't panic. Review your results and look at what worked, what didn't, and what you can improve next year. Be transparent with your supporters about what you accomplished, and continue thanking the people who contributed. A missed fundraising goal doesn't erase the generosity of your donors or the impact of the money you did raise. Use the experience to build a stronger campaign next year.

One Final Thought: You Don't Need a Perfect Campaign

I've worked with enough nonprofits to know how easy it is to get caught up in everything you think you're supposed to be doing. You see what larger organizations are doing, compare their fundraising campaigns to yours, and start worrying that you don't have enough staff, money, or time to compete.

But here's what I want you to remember. Your nonprofit has something far more important than a fancy fundraising campaign. You have a mission that matters, people whose lives are better because your organization exists, and supporters who want to be part of making that work possible.

Your job is to connect those three things.

That means telling compelling stories, making clear fundraising requests, engaging your board, and showing donors how much their support matters. It also means having a plan and following through, even when things get busy.

You don't need to do everything. You just need to do the right things, consistently and well.

So take this 10-week fundraising plan, put the dates on your calendar, and start having conversations with the people who believe in your mission. Don't wait until everything is perfect, because let's face it, in the nonprofit world, there's always something else that needs your attention.

December 31 will be here before you know it. Let's make these next ten weeks count!

Ready to get started? Share this year-end fundraising plan with your staff and board, choose your first three action steps, and get moving. Your next successful fundraising campaign starts with the decisions you make today.

Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Lumena Foundation

Offers unrestricted grants up to $50,000 to women-focused nonprofits advancing health, education, safety, legal rights, and economic empowerment. Submit Letter of Intent.

Deadline: Rolling

https://www.lumenafoundation.org/funds

Vineyard Family Foundation

Provides grants up to $10,000 to nonprofits for health, education, recreation, research, and cultural opportunities that improve the well-being of children and their families.

Deadline: Rolling

https://thevineyardfamilyfoundation.org/resources/

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W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Supports communities, children, and families as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success. Funding priorities include programs focused on thriving children, working families, and building equitable communities. Submit letter of inquiry.

Deadline: Rolling

www.wkkf.org

Indian Health Service

Supports outreach and education efforts aimed at furthering the Indian Health Service mission of providing quality health care to the American Indian and Alaska Native community.

Deadline: November 2, 2026

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360296

Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention

Supports nonprofits to implement youth substance-use prevention programs in schools and community settings in coordination with law enforcement.

Deadline: November 9, 2026

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363902

National Institutes of Health

Supports nonprofits conducting collaborative research on alcohol misuse, alcohol use disorder, and related health consequences across the lifespan.

Deadline: January 27, 2027

 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361216

Costco Wholesale Charitable Support

Costco’s charitable efforts focus on programs that support children, education, and health and human services in the communities where it does business.  

Deadline:  Rolling

https://forms.benevity.org/eb5f89d4-4631-4c20-8681-0186712671a0

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

Rota Foundation

Supports community nonprofits whose services are directed at charities that support the local communities where they live.

Deadline:  October 30, 2026

https://www.therotafoundation.org

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Lawrence Foundation

Supports nonprofit programs for human services, the environment, and other causes.

Deadline: October 31, 2026

https://thelawrencefoundation.org/application-process

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Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation

Supports a broad range of nonprofits working in areas such as education, healthcare, community development, environmental stewardship, peace, social justice, food security, and other charitable causes.

Deadline: October 31, 2026

https://dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/

AEGON Transamerica Foundation

Supports community development, health, and financial well-being initiatives in areas including operational support, capital expansion, and community outreach. Priority in NY, MD, IA, CO, MA, TX, MN, and FL.

Deadline: November 1, 2026

https://www.transamerica.com/about-us/foundation-grant

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

Supports nonprofits for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational and skills-training programs; and other community-based organizations and programs. 

Deadline: November 10, 2026

https://www.mvdreyfusfoundation.org/

NBA Foundation

The Foundation’s Grant Program is supporting organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, professional coaching, and pipeline development to foster employment and career advancement for under-resourced youth ages 14-24.

Deadline: October 31, 2026

https://nbafoundation.nba.com/grants/

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Visa Foundation

Offers 12-month grants to U.S nonprofit entrepreneurial support organizations that provide direct services to small and micro businesses.

Deadline: October 21, 2026

https://www.rockpa.org/visa-foundation/

Truist Foundation

Supports nonprofits working with adults to strengthen communities through sustainable programs and strategic partnerships; focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Deadline: November 30, 2026

 https://www.truistfoundation.org/grant-application

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Animal Charity Evaluators

Movement Grants provide funding to nonprofits advancing effective animal advocacy, with a focus on underfunded species, regions, and capacity-building initiatives.

Deadline: October 18, 2026

https://animalcharityevaluators.org/blog/call-for-movement-grants-applications/

Urban Awareness USA

Support for nonprofits, social enterprises, and others, to better serve urban communities. Variety of grants available.

Rolling Deadline

https://urbanawarenessusa.org

Light A Single Candle Foundation

Provides funding support to U.S. nonprofits for impactful community-based initiatives addressing food security, poverty relief, and sustainable livelihoods in specified international locations.  

Deadline: January 9, 2027

https://www.lightasinglecandle.org/apply-for-grant/

Higher Hope Foundation

Supports nonprofits that assist victims of violent crime and their communities, enabling them to expand their impact and develop innovative support programs.

Deadline: January 1, 2027

https://higherhope.org/empower-grant/

Marie H. Brookreson Trust

Offers grants to nonprofits to finance homes for the blind or provide assistance to the blind across the US.

Deadline: March 15, 2027

https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/brookreson-trust/

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Provides seed funding to nonprofits for new and clinically impactful research in pediatric oncology.

Deadline: October 15, 2026

https://www.alexslemonade.org/researchers-reviewers/applicants

Youth Service America

Two upcoming programs:

1) Offers grants to nonprofits to promote and organize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects that engage youth volunteers in community service.

Deadline: October 25, 2026

https://ysa.org/campaigns/mlkday/

(If you cannot access the link, please copy and paste in another tab or different browser.)

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2) Supports nonprofits, afterschool programs, and other community organizations for the creation or expansion of Youth Councils and youth leadership structures that promote youth voice and decision-making.

Deadline: October 25, 2026

https://ysa.org/campaigns/mlkday/

(If you cannot access the link, please copy and paste in another tab or different browser.)

Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention

Supports nonprofits to implement youth substance-use prevention programs in schools and community settings in coordination with law enforcement.

Deadline: November 9, 2026

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363902

Costco

Costco’s charitable efforts focus on programs that support children, education, and health and human services in the communities where it does business.  

Rolling Deadline

https://forms.benevity.org/eb5f89d4-4631-4c20-8681-0186712671a0

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Supports communities, children, and families as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success. Funding priorities include programs focused on thriving children, working families, and building equitable communities. Submit letter of inquiry.

Rolling Deadline

 www.wkkf.org

Kars4Kids

Supports educational initiatives from nonprofits whose work is impacting children. Focus areas include youth development, mentorship, and education. Previous grantees include Girls on the Run, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Treasures 4 Teachers, and many more.

Rolling Deadline

https://www.kars4kidsgrants.org/

NBA Foundation

Supports organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, professional coaching, and pipeline development to foster employment and career advancement for under-resourced youth ages 14-24.

Applications accepted October 1 to October 31, 2026

https://nbafoundation.nba.com/grants/

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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AmeriCorps

Supports national service and volunteerism through evidence-based interventions addressing community needs.

Deadline: January 13, 2027

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363696

Foundation for Stage Managers

Supports organizations seeking funding for stage management education, research, conference participation, and community-focused programming.

Deadline: October 11, 2026

https://www.stagemanagersfoundation.com/guidelines

National Endowment for the Humanities

Public Humanities program supports projects for general audiences through public programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. 

Deadline: December 9, 2026

https://www.neh.gov/grants/public/public-humanities-projects

Wish You Well Foundation

Supports nonprofits that teach adults the literacy skills they need to communicate, grow, and thrive within their communities. Focus on fostering new and promoting existing adult literacy and educational programs.

Rolling Deadline

https://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/apply-for-funding

ProLiteracy

Through its Literacy Opportunity Fund, supports nonprofits doing direct work with adult students. Funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation; grants awarded quarterly.

Deadlines: October 1, 2026, and January 3, 2027

https://www.proliteracy.org/Literacy-Opportunity-Fund

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

Supports nonprofits for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational and skills-training programs; and other community-based organizations and programs. 

Deadline: November 10, 2026

https://www.mvdreyfusfoundation.org/

Hearst Foundations

Supports well-established nonprofits in culture, education, health, and social services. Equipment or capital expenses may be eligible. Must primarily serve large geographic or demographic constituencies. 

Rolling Deadline

https://www.hearstfdn.org/applying-reporting/how-to-apply

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Fundraising Strategy | Success for Nonprofits

Fundraising copywriting eats hours you do not have. This post hands you five ready-to-use AI prompts, one each for appeals, thank yous, email blasts, post-donation pages, and donation page copy, so you can go from blank page to strong draft in minutes instead of an afternoon.

Most AI fundraising copy falls flat for one reason: the prompt behind it. "Write me a fundraising email" is not a prompt. It is a wish. The prompts below are built differently, specific enough that AI has no choice but to give you something worth using, copy you would actually be proud to send, not the generic, robotic stuff that gives AI a bad name.

What Makes a Good AI Prompt for Nonprofit Fundraising?

Think of an AI prompt the same way you would brief a new staff member, a consultant, or a freelance copywriter. You would never just say, "write something about our program." You would explain who the audience is, what the goal is, what tone to use, what information matters, and what should never show up in the final draft.

AI needs that same level of direction. A strong fundraising prompt should usually include:

The goal is not to make every prompt absurdly long. The goal is to give AI enough information that it does not have to guess. And in fundraising, guessing is where generic, bland copy goes to die.

Prompt 1: Write a Fundraising Appeal That Actually Connects

A fundraising appeal needs more than a request for money. It needs a clear need, a human connection, a reason to act now, and a specific ask. Use this prompt for a fundraising letter, a longer email, or a full campaign appeal.

The Prompt

You are an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional. Write a compelling [EMAIL / LETTER / SOCIAL MEDIA POST] of no more than [WORD COUNT] words for [ORGANIZATION NAME] in support of [CAMPAIGN OR PROGRAM].

Audience: [DESCRIBE THE DONOR SEGMENT]
Tone: [WARM AND GRATEFUL / URGENT AND COMPELLING / HOPEFUL AND INSPIRING]

Include the following:
- Begin with one specific human story, moment, or situation that helps the reader understand the need.
- Clearly explain the problem and why support is needed now.
- Show what the donor can help make possible.
- Include specific gift amounts and impact when available.
- Create urgency without guilt or manipulation.
- Keep the donor at the center of the message.
- End with one clear call to action.

Organization and program context: [INSERT MISSION, PROGRAM DETAILS, IMPACT, AND OUTCOMES]

Avoid jargon, cliches, overly formal language, and invented facts. Use "gift" instead of "donation" when appropriate.

Why It Works

This prompt gives AI structure. It tells the tool who the audience is, what the appeal needs to accomplish, how it should sound, and what information it is allowed to use. Most importantly, it keeps the donor focused on what their gift can help make possible, not on your organization's needs.

Prompt 2: Write Donor Thank You Messages That Feel Personal

A receipt is not a thank you. A real thank you should make someone feel appreciated, connected, and confident that their support actually mattered. That matters most for retention. Your donor stewardship process should include intentional thank you and follow up steps, not just an automated receipt.

The Prompt

You are an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional writing a warm, personal donor thank-you message.

Create a [EMAIL / LETTER] of no more than [WORD COUNT] words for [DONOR NAME OR SEGMENT] on behalf of [ORGANIZATION NAME].

Gift details: [DESCRIBE THE GIFT]
Donor relationship: [ADD RELEVANT HISTORY OR CONNECTION]
Impact of the gift: [INSERT 1-2 SPECIFIC OUTCOMES]

The message should:
- Thank the donor specifically.
- Explain what their support helps make possible.
- Reference their relationship with the organization when appropriate.
- Sound warm and conversational.
- Reinforce their role as a partner in the work.
- End with gratitude, not another ask.

Do not invent information about the donor or ask for another gift.

Why It Works

It gives AI the details that make a thank you sound personal instead of mass produced. And it keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: gratitude, not the next ask.

Prompt 3: Write a Fundraising Email Blast People Actually Read

Your email blast should not read like your annual report. Most donors are scanning. They are on their phones. They are deciding in seconds whether to keep reading. So keep it short and give it exactly one job.

The Prompt

You are an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional writing a short fundraising email blast.

Create an email for [ORGANIZATION NAME] supporting [CAMPAIGN, PROGRAM, OR NEED]. Keep the body between 100 and 175 words.

Audience: [DESCRIBE THE DONOR SEGMENT]
Primary goal: [DESCRIBE THE ONE ACTION YOU WANT THEM TO TAKE]
Key message or story: [INSERT ONE STORY, MOMENT, OR PROBLEM]
Impact of a gift: [ADD SPECIFIC GIFT AMOUNTS OR OUTCOMES]
Deadline or reason to act now: [INSERT REAL DEADLINE OR URGENCY]

Write:
- 5 subject line options
- 3 preheader options
- One email body
- One call to action button phrase

Keep paragraphs short. Focus on one message. Avoid jargon, guilt, and unnecessary explanation.

Why It Works

Because it forces AI to do one job: one audience, one message, one ask. That is exactly what a fundraising email blast needs, and exactly what most nonprofit email blasts fail to do.

Prompt 4: Write a Post Donation Thank You Page That Builds the Relationship

The donor clicked. They gave. Now what? Please do not reward that moment with "Thank you. Your transaction has been completed." That is not stewardship. The page a donor sees immediately after giving is part of the donor experience, not an afterthought.

The Prompt

You are an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional writing the thank you message a donor sees immediately after completing an online gift.

Write a short post donation thank you message for [ORGANIZATION NAME] supporting [CAMPAIGN, PROGRAM, OR GENERAL FUND]. Keep the message between 50 and 100 words.

Audience: [DESCRIBE THE DONOR]
Gift impact: [INSERT 1-2 SPECIFIC EXAMPLES]
Tone: [WARM / GRATEFUL / HOPEFUL / PERSONAL]

The message should:
- Immediately thank the donor.
- Reinforce that their gift matters.
- Connect their generosity to the outcome they are helping create.
- Sound human, not transactional.
- End with appreciation.

Do not ask for another gift.

Why It Works

The fundraising experience does not end when the payment processes. This message reinforces the donor's decision and starts stewardship immediately. You want the donor leaving that page thinking, "I am glad I did that."

Prompt 5: Write Donation Page Copy That Does Not Lose the Donor

You worked hard to get the donor to the donation page. Do not lose them there. Strong donation page copy is clear, emotional, easy to scan, and focused on one thing: completing the gift. Your donation page is not just a form. It is part of your case for support and part of the donor relationship, which is why reviewing it is one of the seven core fundraising systems every nonprofit needs.

The Prompt

You are an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional writing concise, persuasive copy for an online donation page.

Create donation page copy for [ORGANIZATION NAME] supporting [CAMPAIGN, PROGRAM, OR GENERAL FUND].

Audience: [DESCRIBE THE DONOR SEGMENT]
Primary need: [DESCRIBE THE FUNDING NEED]
Impact information: [INSERT SPECIFIC OUTCOMES]
Suggested gift amounts: [INSERT GIFT AMOUNTS]
Monthly giving option: [DESCRIBE WHY MONTHLY SUPPORT MATTERS]

Create:
- One short headline
- A 2-3 sentence impact statement
- Short impact descriptions for suggested gift amounts
- One monthly giving message
- One call to action button phrase
- One short reassurance statement

Keep the copy concise. Avoid jargon, organizational history, and generic phrases like "support our mission."

Why It Works

This prompt keeps AI focused on conversion instead of storytelling. It is not asking AI to write another appeal. It is asking AI to help the donor answer three questions fast: why does this matter, what will my gift help do, and what should I do next. That is the entire job of a donation page.

One More Thing: AI Is Not the Fundraiser

These prompts can save you real time. They can help you get unstuck. They can hand you a stronger first draft than a blank page ever will. But do not copy, paste, and send without doing your job first.

Use AI to make your fundraising work more efficient. Do not use it to make your fundraising less human. The best fundraising still comes down to trust, relationships, gratitude, and consistent follow up. That is the same principle behind strong donor development overall: relationships deepen when organizations consistently communicate impact, steward donors well, and follow through on what they promised.

AI can help you do that work faster. You still have to make it matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Prompts for Nonprofit Fundraisers

What is an AI prompt for nonprofit fundraising?

An AI prompt is the set of instructions you give a tool like ChatGPT or Claude before it writes something for you. A strong fundraising prompt tells the AI who it should sound like, who the audience is, what tone to use, what facts to include, and what to leave out. The more specific the prompt, the less generic the copy.

Which AI tool should nonprofits use for fundraising copy?

Any major AI tool, including ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, can work with the prompts in this post. The tool matters less than the prompt. A vague prompt produces vague copy no matter which AI you use. A specific prompt with real organizational context produces something you can actually work with.

Can AI write a full fundraising appeal from scratch?

AI can draft a strong first version of an appeal, but it cannot write your organization's story for you. You still need to supply the real details: the specific program, the actual impact numbers, and a true story about a person your work has affected. Treat the AI output as a first draft, not a final version.

Is it okay to use AI for donor thank you letters?

Yes, as long as you add the personal details yourself. AI can help you structure a warm thank you message quickly, but the donor's name, gift history, and specific impact need to be accurate and real. Never let AI invent details about a donor's giving history or relationship with your organization.

Will donors know if I used AI to write my fundraising email?

Donors will notice if your email sounds generic, robotic, or like it could have been sent by any nonprofit. They will not notice that AI helped you draft it, as long as you edit the output to sound like your organization and add real, specific details. The goal is a stronger draft, not a donor-facing disclosure.

What if the AI generated copy still sounds generic?

Generic output almost always means the prompt was missing context. Go back and add more specifics: real numbers, a real story, the actual donor segment, and the actual tone your organization uses. If the prompt only gives AI a topic instead of real information, it has no choice but to guess.

Do I need a paid AI subscription to use these prompts?

No. Free versions of most major AI tools can handle these prompts. A paid subscription may give you longer conversations, faster responses, or higher usage limits, but the prompts themselves work the same way on free and paid plans.

Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Pave HER Way

Supports transformational projects or ideas that deliver clear public benefit for women and girls. Funding areas include the arts, community development, education, economic mobility, employment development, finance, health, and more.

Deadline: October 16, 2026

https://paveherway.org/apply

Giving Joy

Supports innovative projects that generate economic or social benefits for women, girls, and families. Projects may include starting or expanding a nonprofit.

Deadline: September 30, 2026

https://givingjoygrants.org/grant-application

Sparkplug Foundation

Provides grants to early-stage organizations and projects that support community-driven education, music, and community organizing initiatives.

Deadline: November 1, 2026

https://www.sparkplugfoundation.org/information/

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The “Connecting Champions” program supports nonprofits who are helping to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the health professions.

Deadline: September 25, 2026

https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/active-funding-opportunities/2026/connecting-champions-for-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging.html

Frances R. Dewing Foundation

Supports nonprofits with innovative projects in early childhood education for children up to sixth grade.

Deadline: October 1, 2026

https://dewingfoundation.org/apply/

Third Wave Fund

Mobilize Power Fund provides rapid response grants to gender justice organizations facing unanticipated, time-sensitive opportunities or threats to their movement building work.

Deadline: October 6, 2026

https://www.thirdwavefund.org/mobilize-power-fund

Indian Health Service

Supports outreach and education efforts aimed at furthering the Indian Health Service mission of providing quality health care to the American Indian and Alaska Native community.

Deadline: November 2, 2026

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360296

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