Year-end giving is a crucial time for non-profit organizations. It’s when many individuals and corporations make their most significant charitable contributions.
But how can organizations ensure they’re effectively reaching potential donors? How can they communicate their needs and the impact of donations in a compelling way?
The answer lies in well-crafted year-end giving templates to help ensure the success of your end-of-year giving campaigns.
These templates can streamline the donation process, making it easier for donors to contribute.
In this article, we’ll explore five templates that can boost your year-end giving.
Understanding the Importance of Year-End Giving
Year-end giving is a significant part of non-profit fundraising. It’s a time when many people feel a heightened sense of generosity. This period can greatly impact a non-profit’s ability to meet its annual fundraising goals.
Year-end giving templates can help organizations capitalize on this season of giving. They provide a structured way to communicate with potential donors. And they can be tailored to reflect the unique mission and needs of each organization.
Key Trends in Charitable Giving During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of increased charitable giving. 30% of all annual giving occurs in December, with 10% of all annual giving happening in the last three days of the year.
Many people choose to make their donations at this time to take advantage of tax benefits.
Understanding these trends can help nonprofits tailor their year-end giving templates to be more effective.
Crafting Effective Year-End Giving Templates
Creating effective year-end giving communications requires careful planning. The goal is to engage potential donors and inspire them to give.
Each email, mailer, and social post should be tailored to the organization’s unique mission, voice, and needs.
It can be difficult to craft compelling emails and other messages, especially if writing isn’t exactly your area of expertise. That’s why we’ve put together these templates that you can customize and move on to scheduling your communications, organizing your fundraising events, and
Template 1: The Holiday Spirit Template
Appeal to people’s love of the holiday season with a template that reminds them what the season of giving is all about. Make sure to emphasize your gratitude towards them as well as the fact that the end of the year is approaching.
Subject: Share the Joy of Giving This Holiday Season – Your Support Matters!
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
As we enter the holiday season, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity and kindness of our community. This time of year reminds us of the power of giving, and we hope you will consider sharing that joy with [Your Organization] as we continue our mission to [briefly describe your cause—e.g., “support families in need,” “promote education,” or “advance crucial research”].
Your donation during this season of giving will have a lasting impact, helping us spread hope, joy, and compassion to those who need it most.
Here’s how you can help:
- Give a holiday gift by donating online at [donation link].
- Make a donation in honor of a loved one, adding a special touch to your holiday celebrations.
- Share the spirit of giving by inviting your family and friends to join in supporting our cause.
No matter the size of your gift, it will bring light and hope to [those you serve, e.g., “children,” “families,” or “communities”] who are counting on us this holiday season.
We are so grateful for your ongoing support and for being a part of our mission. Together, we can create a season filled with kindness, generosity, and hope for a brighter future.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season!
With heartfelt thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Contact Information]
P.S. The holidays are a time for giving and gratitude. Please consider making a year-end gift to help us finish the year strong and continue our vital work into the new year.
Template 2: The Countdown Call-to-Action Template
An urgent call-to-action template creates a sense of urgency. It emphasizes the immediate needs of the organization. Use this template to remind donors that the end of the year is fast approaching and that your fundraising goals haven’t been met yet.
Subject: Final Chance to Make an Impact in 2024 – Deadline Approaching!
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
The clock is ticking! With only [number of days] left until the end of the year, we’re reaching out for your help. There’s still time to make a difference in 2024 by supporting [Your Organization], but the deadline is fast approaching.
By donating before midnight on December 31st, you can:
- Support a vital cause and help us [briefly describe the impact—e.g., “provide meals for families in need,” “fund critical research,” or “expand our community programs”].
- Potentially reduce your 2024 tax liability by making a tax-deductible gift before year-end.
Every gift, big or small, brings us closer to achieving our year-end goal of [mention specific goal, e.g., “raising $50,000,” “serving 500 more families,” etc.]. With your support, we can continue to [specific outcome, e.g., “bring hope,” “transform lives,” or “drive change”] into the new year.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate online at [donation link] before December 31st.
- Mail your gift to [address], postmarked by December 31st.
- Share this opportunity with friends and family who may want to make a year-end contribution.
Time is running out, but it’s not too late to make an impact! Your generosity can truly change lives as we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to the exciting possibilities of 2025.
Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Contact Information]
P.S. Don’t miss the deadline! Make your donation before December 31st to be part of our year-end push and enjoy potential tax benefits.
Template 3: The Gift Matching Template
Gift matching is a powerful tool. It doubles your donor’s contributions and it can light a fire under them when there’s a deadline attached to it. Use this template to tell donors they have a limited time to double or triple the impact of their donation.
Subject: Double Your Impact This Year – Your Donation Will Be Matched!
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
As the year comes to a close, we’re reaching out with a special opportunity for you to make an even greater difference. Thanks to the generosity of [Donor/Sponsor’s Name], every donation made before [deadline date] will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact!
This means that your gift of $50 becomes $100, and $100 becomes $200. Your support will go twice as far in helping us [briefly describe the mission or cause—e.g., “provide essential resources to families in need,” “support groundbreaking research,” or “expand our community outreach programs”].
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate online at [donation link].
- Mail your gift to [address], postmarked by [date].
- Share this opportunity with friends and family to multiply the impact even further.
With your help, we can [specific goal or vision—e.g., “reach even more people,” “make a larger difference,” etc.]. Every gift counts, and with this matching challenge, your support will go twice as far.
Thank you for considering this incredible opportunity to give and make a lasting impact!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Contact Information]
P.S. Don’t wait—your donation will only be matched until [deadline]! Give now to double your impact!
Template 4: The Tax Benefits Highlight Template
A template highlighting tax deductions emphasizes the tax benefits of giving. It explains how the donor can benefit from making a year-end donation.
Here’s a template that emphasizes the tax benefits of year-end giving:
Subject: Maximize Your Impact and Enjoy Year-End Tax Benefits!
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to make a difference while also benefiting from potential tax savings. By making a donation before [deadline date], you may be able to lower your taxable income for 2024 while supporting a cause you care about.
Here’s why year-end giving is a win-win:
- Tax Deductibility: Donations made by December 31st may be eligible for a deduction on your 2024 tax return, reducing your tax liability.
- Make a Bigger Impact: Your generous support helps us continue [briefly describe your mission or cause—e.g., “providing vital resources to those in need,” “funding crucial research,” or “supporting local communities”]. With your gift, we can accomplish even more in the coming year.
Whether you’re planning to give a little or a lot, your donation will help us reach our year-end goal and provide essential support to [community served or goal achieved].
Here’s how you can give:
- Donate online by [date] at [donation link] to qualify for 2024 tax benefits.
- Send your donation by mail to [address], postmarked by December 31st.
- Explore other giving options such as stock donations or employer matching gifts for additional tax advantages.
If you have any questions about the tax benefits of donating, feel free to reach out to us or consult your tax advisor to learn more.
Your gift now can make a lasting difference in the lives of many, while offering you valuable tax benefits.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Contact Information]
P.S. Don’t miss the December 31st deadline to make a tax-deductible donation. Give today to support our mission and enjoy potential tax savings!
Template 5: The Thank You Template
Finally, thanking your donors for all they’ve helped you achieve this year is a must. Show your donors what their support means to your organization and the people you help.
Subject: Thank You for Your Incredible Support This Year!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in 2024. Because of your commitment and kindness, we’ve been able to [briefly describe key achievements—e.g., “provide meals to over 1,000 families,” “fund life-saving research,” or “expand our outreach programs to more communities”].
Your contributions have made a tangible difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to donors like you, we’ve been able to [highlight a specific success or milestone achieved in the year]. This impact is a testament to your generosity and belief in our mission.
As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to [organization’s mission or goal for the upcoming year], and we hope to continue this important work with you by our side.
From all of us at [Your Organization], thank you for your unwavering support and for making 2024 a year to remember.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year!
With sincere appreciation,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Contact Information]
P.S. Your generosity has truly made a difference. If you’d like to continue supporting our work in the new year, you can visit [donation link] at any time. Together, we can achieve even more!
Best Practices for Personalizing Your Year-End Giving Templates
Personalizing your year-end giving templates can significantly increase their effectiveness.
By addressing donors by their names and acknowledging their past support, you can make them feel valued. If you can, get specific about what projects or initiatives they donated to.
This can inspire them to continue supporting your organization.
Incorporating Donor Segmentation and Personalization
Donor segmentation is a key strategy for personalizing your templates.
By grouping donors based on their giving history, interests, and demographics, you can tailor your messages to their preferences.
This can make your appeals more relevant and compelling.
Utilizing Visuals and Responsive Design
Visuals can greatly enhance the appeal of your templates.
They can make your messages more engaging and memorable.
Also, ensure your templates have a responsive design.
This means they should look good and function well on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
This can make it easier for donors to read your messages and make donations.
Measuring the Success of Your Year-End Campaign
Once your year-end giving campaign is over, it’s crucial to measure its success.
This will help you understand what worked and what didn’t.
You can then use this information to improve your future campaigns.
Analyzing Campaign Data for Future Improvement
To analyze your campaign data, look at key metrics such as the total amount raised, the number of donors, and the average donation size.
Also, consider the response rate to your appeals and the donor retention rate.
These metrics can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your templates and strategies.
The Role of Donor Feedback and Engagement
Donor feedback can also be a valuable source of information.
Ask your donors for their opinions on your appeals and their giving experience.
Their responses can help you understand their needs and preferences, and how to better engage them in the future.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Year-end giving is a crucial time for non-profits.
With the right templates and strategies, you can maximize your fundraising efforts.
Encouraging Continuous Engagement Beyond the Year-End
But remember, donor engagement should not end with the year.
Keep the momentum going by maintaining regular communication with your donors.
Final Thoughts on Year-End Giving Success
In conclusion, successful year-end giving requires careful planning, effective communication, and continuous improvement.
By using the templates and strategies discussed in this article, you can boost your year-end giving and make a greater impact.