Yes, it’s November. Yes, Giving Tuesday (and the end of the year—sorry to remind you!) is just around the corner.
Let’s take a collective deep breath.
Inhale… 2, 3, 4
Exhale… 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Whew. Better? Good.
Now here’s your reframe: it’s only November! There’s still plenty of time to map out a compelling nonprofit fundraising campaign for GivingTuesday and your Annual Holiday Appeal (AHA)—especially if you focus your energy on online fundraising for nonprofits and mail-based giving.
No need for a big in-person gala—we can save that for next year. You can do a lot with a thoughtful digital fundraising campaign, mail-based campaign (or a combo) that focuses on connection, clarity, and gratitude.
Grab your cafecito and let’s make some nonprofit magic!
1. Pick One Clear Goal—and Say It Often
Decide on one clear, measurable goal—like funding 50 scholarships, feeding 100 families, or raising $10,000 for next year’s programs—and make it the centerpiece of your campaign. That way, your supporters have something tangible to rally around.
Keep the language simple and direct. Supporters don’t need to know every detail; they just need to understand why this moment matters.
“We need your help to reach 100 families before December 31st.”
“Your gift today keeps our programs running for those who need us most.”
In fact, a single, emotionally resonant message will always do more than a laundry list of requests.
🗣️Need to write your messaging in another language? We wrote a blog all about bilingual communications.
2. Use What You Already Have
There’s no reason to start a campaign from scratch. Just like some of the best meals, fundraising campaigns for nonprofits are just better reheated!
Look back at your top-performing content from the past six months and repurpose it:
💡Pull a powerful testimonial from a client, volunteer, or staff member.
💡Reshare photos from a program that moved your audience.
💡Refresh last year’s GivingTuesday or AHA graphics with new copy and this year’s goal.
At the same time, try one new thing—maybe a live stream, or a short video from your CEO, or a reel featuring your team. Small experiments can make a big difference in your digital marketing strategy for nonprofits!
(Tips inspired by Adam Jorgensen, Social Media Manager at GivingTuesday.)
3. Give Your Social Media a Face List
Many new supporters will see your organization for the first time this month, so we want to make it easy for them to see your impact and feel your energy.
The crew at GivingTuesday itself recommends the following for a strong nonprofit social media strategy:
👆Pin key posts. Highlight posts that clearly explain who you are and how people can help.
✌️Show real people. Photos and videos of your team, volunteers, or community members speak louder than stock photos (or AI) ever could.
🤌Start a community channel. Give your supporters a space to connect and rally, whether that be an Instagram Broadcast Channel, a WhatsApp group for top donors, or a Facebook group for fundraisers.
(Adapted from GivingTuesday.org’s social media prep toolkit).
💡 Pro Tip: Save some of your budget for paid ads. We all know the organic algorithm is very touch and go. Boosting posts or running a paid campaign can help your GivingTuesday or holiday appeal actually get seen.
4. Send an Email (or Three!)
A few short, heartfelt messages can do wonders for your nonprofit email marketing results.
Here’s how to write like you’ve been planning for months:
✍️Lead with a story. Highlight one volunteer, program participant, or favorite moment from the year—something authentic and relatable (that’s the foundation of nonprofit storytelling).
✍️Write like a human. Use a warm, conversational tone. Drop the jargon, speak directly to supporters, and let your organization’s personality shine.
✍️End with one action. “Donate today.” “Share this story.” “Help us reach our goal” is more effective than multiple asks in a single message.
💙🚨GivingTuesday Bonus Tip: Plan a 3-Part Series!
- “It’s coming.” Send a quick note to remind people that GivingTuesday is next week and what their support makes possible.
- “Today’s the day!” Go bold. Include a big donate button and an emotional story.
- “Thank you + still time to give.” Celebrate what’s been raised so far, and invite late givers to join in.
And don’t forget that final “we’re almost there” email before midnight. Urgency works, people!
(Tips inspired by GivingTuesday.org’s storytelling guide).
5. Don’t Sleep on Snail Mail—It Still Works!
Design a postcard or write a letter to your most loyal supporters to complement your digital fundraising efforts. Include:
💌a heartfelt story to highlight your impact.
💌a clear call to action with a link or QR code.
💌a warm thank-you for past support.
Physical mail gives supporters something to hold onto and reminds them that they are a part of your story.
6. Say Thank You Like You Mean It
Gratitude is your best nonprofit fundraising strategy.
What’s better than a regular thank you email?Joy!
Send a short video from your team. A handwritten note. A behind-the-scenes post showing how their donation made an impact. Every thank-you is an opportunity to make supporters feel the impact they helped create.
The more personal and heartfelt your thanks, the more likely donors will stick around (and donate again!).
Your Last-Minute GivingTuesday and AHA Checklist
✔️Pick one clear, inspiring goal
✔️Repurpose your best content
✔️Polish your social media presence
✔️Try one new engagement idea
✔️Send story-driven emails
✔️Send a mail piece
✔️Lead with gratitude
Even if you’re getting a late start, your GivingTuesday and Annual Holiday Appeal campaigns can still be meaningful. What matters most isn’t the prep or the timing—it’s the heart you put into it.
Your community wants to give. You just have to remind them why they love what you do.
So take another breath, open a new Google Doc, and get to work. You’ve got this.
Madeline Beath
With a Masters in Social Work focused on Organizational Leadership, I combine my passion for social media and nonprofit advocacy to help mission-driven organizations connect and create community.
