- Nonprofit Digest by Nonprofit Community Resources
- Posts
- Finish 2024 Strong: Your Nonprofit’s Year-End Action Plan
Finish 2024 Strong: Your Nonprofit’s Year-End Action Plan
Practical strategies, grants, and tools to maximize impact and set the stage for success in 2025.
Nonprofit Digest
December 15, 2024
December 15, 2024
Welcome back to Nonprofit Digest, your trusted source for nonprofit insights and resources!
The clock is ticking on 2024, and these final weeks are critical for nonprofits. Whether you’re focused on year-end fundraising, engaging donors, or setting up for success in 2025, this issue is your go-to guide. Packed with practical strategies, grant opportunities, and the latest tools, this edition will help you close the year on a high note.
Your Year-End Success Checklist 📝
1. Build Excitement Around Year-End Giving
Send a targeted appeal to donors, highlighting the urgency of year-end contributions. Share stories, testimonials, and clear calls to action to inspire generosity. Remind donors about the tax benefits of giving before December 31.
2. Update Your Grant Calendar for 2025
Research upcoming grant deadlines and align them with your organization’s goals. A well-planned grant calendar ensures you stay ahead and have time to craft compelling applications.
3. Dive Into Strategic Planning
Use this time to reflect on your wins and challenges in 2024. Define clear goals and action plans for 2025. A strong strategy now will set the tone for a successful new year.
4. Activate Your Board
Get your board members involved in final fundraising pushes. Ask them to reach out to their networks or host small donor engagement events to help hit your goals.
5. Thank and Recognize Your Supporters
Show appreciation to donors, volunteers, and your team. Send heartfelt thank-you messages, share impact updates, or even host a small appreciation event. Gratitude builds stronger relationships and sets the stage for future engagement.
Grants to Elevate Your Mission 💸
1. International Women’s Philanthropy Forum (IWPF) Grant
Focus: Supporting nonprofits dedicated to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and addressing issues like education, economic independence, and social justice.
Amount: Grants vary depending on the project scope.
Deadline: December 31, 2024.
Pro Tip: Clearly outline how your project aligns with IWPF’s mission to advance gender equality. Emphasize measurable outcomes and community impact.
Apply Here: IWPF Grants
2. Farid’s Foundation Grants
Focus: Supporting innovative programs in education, health, and community development that address underserved populations.
Amount: Typically up to $25,000.
Deadline: Rolling applications with priority for submissions received by January 15, 2025.
Pro Tip: Highlight innovative approaches and collaborations with local stakeholders to address critical community challenges.
Apply Here: Farid’s Foundation Grants
3. Burkle Foundation Grants
Focus: Funding programs in public policy, education, and humanitarian work that promote peace and understanding.
Amount: Grants vary based on project scope and funding needs.
Deadline: January 15, 2025.
Pro Tip: Craft a detailed narrative that shows how your program will address urgent issues and deliver meaningful impact in line with the foundation’s priorities.
Apply Here: Burkle Foundation Grants
💡 Year-End Giving Trends to Watch
As we approach the close of 2024, our team and fellow nonprofit leaders have noticed several exciting trends that are shaping the sector:
Online Giving is Thriving: We’ve seen firsthand how donors increasingly prefer mobile-friendly platforms and quick, seamless donation experiences.
Corporate Matching is Gaining Momentum: Many of our colleagues have shared stories of successful corporate matching gift campaigns this season. These programs are doubling donor contributions and inspiring individuals to give more, knowing their impact will be amplified.
Younger Donors Are Leading the Charge: Conversations with nonprofits highlight how Millennials and Gen Z are stepping up, bringing energy and commitment to causes like climate action, equity, and community development. Their giving behaviors are often driven by values, social media engagement, and peer influence.
Tax-Smart Giving is Top of Mind: From our own experiences, we’ve seen more donors ask about ways to make tax-efficient contributions, like donating stocks or through qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). This not only benefits nonprofits but also helps donors maximize their impact.
These trends reflect a dynamic and evolving nonprofit landscape, and we’re thrilled to see how organizations are adapting to meet these opportunities
Essential Tools for Year-End Success 🎉
1. Beehive for Donor Engagement
Beehive offers free tools to create visually stunning email campaigns and newsletters. Use it to send personalized year-end appeals, impact updates, or event invitations.
Pro Tip: Beehive’s analytics help you track engagement and follow up with your most active supporters.
Try Beehive Here
2. Trello for Project Management
Trello’s intuitive boards help you organize tasks and collaborate effectively with your team. Use it to streamline year-end campaigns and prepare for 2025.
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated board for year-end giving and use checklists to track progress.
Start Planning with Trello
Wrapping Up 2024
The last weeks of the year are critical for achieving your fundraising goals, engaging donors, and laying the foundation for a successful new year. By leveraging the strategies, grants, and tools shared in this newsletter, you can finish 2024 strong and kick off 2025 with momentum.
Join our Nonprofit Community Resources Facebook Group to connect with fellow nonprofit leaders, exchange event ideas, and get inspired by creative fundraising strategies.
Please take a moment to share your feedback on this week’s newsletter.
PS: Want the inside scoop on the best grants, tools, and nonprofit tips every week? Subscribe to stay in the loop! Subscribe here so you never miss out.