Use The Summer Slump To Maximize Year End Giving.

With the summer slowdown here, kids are out of school, families are on vacations and many are out enjoying summer outdoor activities.  While summer often brings a slowdown in fundraising activity, it’s actually the perfect season to lay the groundwork for a strong year-end giving campaign. July and August can be your nonprofit’s most strategic months—if you use them wisely.

This years slump comes with some extra challenges as well for many nonprofits. Many organizations expect to see spending cuts or freezes due to shifting federal budget priorities.  Individual donors are giving less and to fewer organizations and nonprofits face rising demands for services across all sectors

Here are a few ways on how to turn the “summer slump” into year-end momentum:

• Review and Refresh Your Donor List:
  Clean up your donor database, update contact information, and segment your lists based on giving history. A well-maintained list sets the stage for targeted fall outreach.

• Build a Compelling Campaign Theme:
  Start crafting the story you’ll tell this giving season. What impact have you made this year? What urgent needs remain? Use the quieter summer months to develop a powerful narrative with testimonials, photos, and clear calls to action.

• Plan Your Year-End Calendar:
  Map out key dates from Giving Tuesday to December 31st. Schedule email appeals, social media pushes, and thank-you messages. Having a clear plan now means less stress and more execution later.

• Engage Volunteers and Board Members:
  Summer is a great time to reconnect with your inner circle. Host a casual donor appreciation picnic or planning session to energize your supporters before the busy season.

• Test New Tools or Strategies:
  Thinking of launching a peer-to-peer campaign or a new donation platform? Summer gives you space to test, adjust, and be ready when the giving spirit kicks into high gear.

The summer season presents an opportunity for nonprofits to recharge and adopt a strategic approach. By preparing during the slower summer season, your organization will be ready to inspire generosity and maximize results when donors are most engaged in November and December.

Don’t waste the summer slump—work it to your advantage. The success of your year-end campaign starts now.