As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s not just the scent of pumpkin spice and holiday cheer in the air—it’s the spirit of giving, too! Whether it’s organizing winter coat drives, helping fund vital community programs, or supporting local shelters, the holidays are when people band together to make the season brighter. For nonprofits, we know this often kicks off one of the busiest times of the year. It’s an important time to reach out to donors for year-end donations and remind them that giving doesn’t just feel good… it’s good for their taxes too!
The last few months of the year are the perfect opportunity for charitable donations! With the holiday spirit in full swing and tax season peeking around the corner, many folks start thinking about ways to give back and spread holiday cheer to others. For nonprofits, the end of the year is ideal for launching thoughtful and fun donation campaigns that are all about impact and giving.
Donations made to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are typically tax-deductible, which means
donors can give back to the causes they care about and see an impact in their bank accounts. By donating, they can typically deduct that amount from their taxable income, which may lighten their tax bill a little. But here's the catch: these charitable contributions need to be made by December 31st to count for this year's tax deductions. Of course, our expertise is in print not taxes, so before reaching out to your donors always check with a tax professional to make sure you’re leading everyone in the right direction.
The December 31 cutoff is a great excuse for nonprofits to kick their year-end fundraising efforts into high gear, encouraging everyone to act before time runs out! It’s the perfect time to remind your community about the perks of giving while showcasing how their contributions can create a real impact. Print materials like donation cards, custom folders filled with tax deduction information, and reminders in newsletters can be super helpful in getting this message out, making sure potential donors are motivated to give before the clock runs out on the tax year.
For donors, giving isn’t just about tax deductions, it’s about making a real difference for the causes they love. While tax deductions are definitely a bonus, many people feel inspired during the holidays to support their communities. Whether it’s providing meals for those in need, ensuring families have gifts under the tree, or supporting local shelters, donors want to see the impact of their contributions.
That said, even the most dedicated supporters sometimes need a gentle nudge to get their donations in before the year wraps up! Don’t be shy about asking. Encourage your donors to check if their workplace offers matching gifts, so their contributions can go twice as far. Mix it up and reach out through emails, social media posts, direct mail, and even posters in the community. Each touchpoint is a reminder of the impact donors can make and the tax benefits they’ll enjoy.
As temperatures drop, the needs of our vulnerable community members often rise, making the winter season especially challenging for those in need. But here’s where an end-of-year campaign can truly make an impact! It’s all about rallying support to provide essential resources like warm clothing, emergency shelters, and nourishing food for those in need.
Sometimes a little guidance goes a long way. While spreading the word about year-end giving suggest specific donation amounts and show what each gift accomplishes in your community (“$50 fills backpacks, $100 feeds a family”). It helps donors picture the impact they’re making. Every contribution counts, and the more people know about how their money will be used, the more likely they are to join in and make a meaningful difference for their neighbors!
So, how can you close out the year by inspiring donors to make a difference? While classic year-end campaigns are always a hit, a sprinkle of holiday magic can turn a tried-and-true method into something extra special. Think holiday cards, cheerful flyers, and vibrant postcards that make your message pop and add a festive flair. Check out these 11 print-based ideas to boost year-end donations!
An annual report is more than just a document, it’s a treasure trove of the incredible impact donors have helped create throughout the year! A beautifully crafted, professionally printed report showcases key milestones, success stories, and heartfelt testimonials that remind everyone of the difference their support has made. This makes it easy to reflect on the year’s achievements while looking ahead to the future!
Use this time to remind donors of the last-minute tax-deductible gifts they can give and the quickly approaching year-end deadline. This is a great chance to remind them that there’s more than one way to give. Encourage donors to create a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) which lets them make donations and claim an immediate tax deduction. Or let donors know they can donate stocks, bonds, or even real estate which can help them avoid capital gains taxes.
Trust is everything, especially when it comes to donations. End-of-year impact reports are the perfect way to be transparent and show donors exactly how their contributions are being used. They can also lay the groundwork for exciting future goals. With vibrant graphics and engaging content, these reports are more than a recap; they’re a celebration of community spirit and an open invitation for everyone to help create even more magic in the year ahead!
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference! Custom holiday cards printed on high-quality cardstock are the perfect way to express heartfelt gratitude to your donors. These charming cards add a festive touch to your end-of-year communications, letting your supporters know just how much their contributions mean to you.
Sending out these cards not only spreads warmth and cheer but also keeps your nonprofit at the forefront of their minds. Personalized acknowledgments not only make your donors feel appreciated, but they might also inspire them to give again (before the year is out!). Consider including a short note about your upcoming projects or goals, along with easy ways to donate so they can continue making a difference. It can be as simple as adding a QR code to the card with your donation website, including a map to some donation sites around town, or listing dates that you’re in need of volunteers during the holiday season or in the year ahead. After all, the joy of giving is infectious, and what better way to spread it than with a beautifully crafted holiday card that captures the heart of your mission?
Show your recurring donors how much they mean to your organization with personalized thank you notes to end the year. A beautifully printed (or handwritten!) note is a great way to express genuine appreciation and nurture those important, long-term relationships with your most dedicated supporters. Plus, why not include some updates on how their ongoing support is truly making a difference? Sharing success stories or exciting news about upcoming initiatives keeps them engaged and inspired to continue their generosity.
A little appreciation goes a long way, especially during the festive season! Why not spread some cheer with fun “thank you” swag like stickers, hats, or pins featuring your nonprofit’s logo? These delightful tokens are a fantastic way to recognize your amazing donors and let them know how much they mean to your mission.
Hand them out at events or even surprise supporters with a little gift in the mail. Along with the gift, include a donation form or envelope, asking people to donate what they can in return whether it’s just a few dollars or more! Picture the smiles on their faces as they sport your nonprofit’s gear, creating a sense of pride and connection to your cause. Plus, every time they wear or use these goodies, it’s like a little advertisement for your organization, sparking conversations and raising awareness in the community.
Custom-printed calendars are a great way to keep your nonprofit top of mind all year long. They make for a thoughtful gift that your donors will appreciate, and they’re super practical too. Not only can these calendars highlight important dates like Giving Tuesday and upcoming fundraising events, but they also serve as a cheerful reminder of how your supporters have made a difference in the past.
Ask your donors to pay what they want for the calendars to raise some final funds to end the year. To make it even more personal, consider including heartwarming photos from your organization’s events or success stories that showcase the impact of their donations. It’s a great way to connect with your community and keep the spirit of giving alive, one month at a time!
Gratitude drives are all about getting the community involved and sharing what they’re thankful for. It’s all about fostering connections and celebrating the good in our lives. Use printed signs that prompt the question “What are you thankful for?” and display them at events or community spaces where people gather.
These signs can also be perfect photo ops, encouraging participants to snap a pic and share it on social media. Encourage people to make a small donation to your nonprofit and challenge their friends to donate too! This not only sparks fun conversations online but also helps raise awareness about your organization’s mission and the positive impact you’re making in the community.
Consider offering a few fun incentives for sharing their gratitude online—like entering participants into a raffle for a fun prize. It’s a great way to boost engagement and make the gratitude drive even more interactive. Plus, those heartfelt messages can be shared as part of your storytelling in future campaigns, showcasing the community’s voices and how your organization brings people together. Let’s celebrate all the little things that make a big difference!
As the chilly weather rolls in, winter clothing drives are a classic fundraiser that are a crucial lifeline for those in need! Why not host the drive at a local school, faith-based organization, or community center? It’s a fantastic way to rally more volunteers and get everyone involved in the spirit of giving! Plus, spread the word about your clothing drive with eye-catching signs, flyers, or even banner signs that guide people to donation drop-off locations. These materials can also highlight deadlines to encourage donations before it’s too late, ensuring your drive collects as much as possible before winter hits the hardest.
Don’t forget to add a QR code that lets people donate money right from their phones! It’s perfect for those who might not have time to sift through their closets for unused coats or shop for new ones. Every little bit helps, and it makes giving super easy and convenient.
Wreath and tree sales are fantastic fundraisers during the holiday season, combining festive décor with a great, charitable cause. Get the word out about your wreath and tree sales using vibrant posters or mailers that showcase beautiful wreath designs and stunning tree varieties, all while sharing the story behind your mission. These printed materials are perfect for grabbing attention and making your fundraiser pop, inspiring folks to deck their halls while supporting a wonderful cause. And don’t forget to offer delivery options or fun DIY decoration ideas that can lure in even more buyers!
Throwing a holiday concert is a fantastic way for nonprofits to spread holiday cheer while bringing the community together and raising those much-needed funds! By featuring local choirs or bands, you’ll not only attract a crowd but also shine a light on your nonprofit’s mission in a fun and festive atmosphere.
To ramp up the excitement, create vibrant flyers and posters to promote the event, along with printed programs that spotlight the schedule and performers-everyone loves knowing who’s on stage! Yard signs outside the venue can indicate where and when the concert is happening, and having donation cards available can encourage attendees to donate on the spot.
Don’t hesitate to ask for donations to hear those wonderful tunes! Ask people to give what they feel or even offer different tiers for special perks, like front-row seats or a meet-and-greet with the performers. With music filling the air and the holiday spirit in full swing, you’ll create a memorable experience that not only entertains but also inspires generosity, making a real difference in your community!
What about a unique fundraising idea like caroling on demand? Reach out to your local college or high school to see if any choir or musical groups are eager to lend their voices. Then, get the community excited with vibrant postcards that invite everyone to join in the fun or book a merry caroling performance!
Postcards are not just eye-catching; they’re also a super easy way to spread the word and create a buzz around your event! Use them to share all the details like dates, locations, and how people can support your organization while also sparking joy and holiday spirit. Plus, don’t forget to include a way for folks to donate or contribute! With every carol sung, you’re not just bringing smiles and holiday cheer, but also rallying support for a great cause. So let those festive tunes ring out and inspire giving in your community!
An end-of-year celebration is the perfect way to bring supporters together and shine a spotlight on all the amazing contributions they’ve made throughout the year. It’s a time to reflect, rejoice, and just have a blast!
Consider adding some festive elements like a photo booth with props or a community art project that everyone can contribute to during the celebration. These activities can help make the event even more memorable and meaningful! Plus, you can use printed materials to highlight the year's successes, share future goals, and encourage everyone to keep the momentum going into the next year.
And why not add a little extra flair? Custom-made cup sleeves are a fun touch! Whether guests are sipping on hot cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee, they’ll be reminded of the incredible impact they’ve had while enjoying their favorite warm drinks. So, let’s raise a cup (or two!) and celebrate the spirit of giving and community that makes your organization truly special!
End-of-year giving campaigns are a wonderful opportunity to engage donors and make a meaningful impact in your community! By adding some printed materials to your strategy, you can really amp up your end-of-year campaigns and provide a fun, tangible reminder of why giving matters. Resources like MissionPrint make it easy and affordable for nonprofits to print everything from colorful flyers promoting wreath and tree sales to eye-catching annual reports that showcase their successes.
As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31, make sure your team is ready to process those last-minute donations! Keep your website updated, your systems ready, and your holiday spirit high. You don’t want to miss out on any year-end generosity.