Happy Sunday Morning to all you Heroes!

Well here we are - the final stretch of 2024! Probably a good time to take a moment to catch our collective breath. It’s been quite the year, hasn’t it? Most of the heavy lifting is done, but there’s still time to make some noise and inject a bit of magic.

This issue of The Fuel Tank is in a little different format, because I think it’s important to share with all of you in the world of fundraising and development a few tips on how to close the year with momentum, use that energy to supercharge your start to 2025, and connect with the right people at the right time.

All without burning yourself out before the holidays! So let’s dive in.

Savor the Moment – The Light Touch Approach

While the big moves for 2024 are mostly set in stone, there’s a secret sauce to giving your cause a bit of extra zing and setting the stage for growth in 2025. It’s not about grand gestures, big asks or sweeping changes—think of it as adding a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors of a well-cooked meal. (yeah, it’s hard to avoid food analogies during the holiday season)

1. Personal Touches that Speak Volumes: As we near the year’s close, how about picking up a pen and jotting down a few personal notes to your key donors? No, this isn’t the time to ask for more; it’s the time to say thanks and express genuine interest in their goals for the coming year. A note saying, "I'd love to catch up in January and hear about your plans and dreams for 2025!" can set a warm, engaging tone for future conversations. And you’ll stand out by not being one of the myriad of nonprofits sending them pleas for year-end donations.

2. Celebrate the Wins – Publicly and Privately: Got a social media page or a newsletter? Highlight the year’s successes and share behind-the-scenes stories that never made it to the limelight. Make your donors and team members the heroes of these stories. This isn’t just feel-good; it’s strategic. It reaffirms why their continued support is vital and showcases the impact they’re helping to create.

3. A Nudge Under the Mistletoe: Without making a direct ask, craft messages that subtly remind your community of the tax benefits of year-end giving. Frame it as a ‘Did You Know’ fun fact or a gentle reminder. It’s a nudge, not a push—keep it light and friendly. A little humor can go a long way.

Setting the Stage for 2025 – Lay the Groundwork Now

While we’re all looking forward to some well-deserved downtime as the year winds down, here are a few low-key yet high-impact ways to ensure you hit the ground running in 2025 and aren’t caught at the end of Q1 thinking, ‘where did those 3 months go?’.

1. Plan an Early Year Kickoff Event: Organize something inspiring for late January or early February. It could be a webinar, a donor appreciation event, or a public Q&A with your projects team. Start planning now and send out ‘Save the Date’ invites before everyone checks out for the holidays.

2. Feedback is Your Friend: Send out a year-end survey to your donors and volunteers asking for their input on what they loved and what they think could be improved. This not only provides invaluable insights but also makes them feel involved and valued.

3. Dream Big in Little Ways: Encourage your team to set personal goals for their roles. Maybe it’s enhancing donor interaction, learning a new fundraising tool, or leading a project they're passionate about. Discuss these goals in a relaxed, end-of-year meeting. Make it about aspirations, not obligations.

4. Refresh Your Thank-You’s: Audit and refresh your acknowledgment templates—emails, letters, cards. A fresh and vibrant thank-you can reignite the joy in a donor's decision to support your cause.

5. Sneak Peek into 2025: Give your closest supporters a sneak peek into some exciting projects or ideas brewing for 2025. It could be through a special newsletter issue, a personal email from your CEO, or a teaser post on social media. Extra points if it’s a video!

Light Up Their Spirits – And Yours Too

The end of the year should be as much about celebration and rejuvenation as it is about preparation. Keep the spirits high, the stress low, and the future bright. Here’s to closing 2024 with gratitude, joy, and a touch of anticipation for all the great things you’ll do in 2025.

It’s Gonna Be OK - Here’s Proof

This Week’s Quote of the Week

The beautiful thing about fundraising and development is that it’s all about connecting and building relationships. And sometimes small, simple gestures make a big difference there. Which means you still have an opportunity to impact the year and energize your supporters.

And remember this - December 31 is just a day on the calendar. Things don’t really end there. You don’t really start over on January 1. You simply keep going, keep building, keep connecting.

So try some of these ideas out and let’s keep fueling change together!

Dan

P.S. I’d love to speak with you about how I can help in 2025. Let me know if you’re open for a chat, or just book a time on my calendar below for us to talk.