Each month, we deliver fresh, seasonal ideas and practical action items tailored for small nonprofits. Whether you’re planning events, engaging donors, or boosting your outreach, we’ve got you covered with timely tips and inspiration. Plus, download the workbook to use all month long—perfect for staying organized and on track!
NEW FOR 2026: What Nonprofits Should Be Thinking About This May
AI for Small Nonprofits More nonprofits are beginning to use simple AI tools for drafting emails, summarizing meeting notes, generating social posts, and analyzing donor data. May is a good time to test a tool or two before your busy fall fundraising season.
Micro-Volunteering Opportunities Short, flexible volunteer opportunities (like one-hour projects or virtual tasks) are growing in popularity—especially with younger supporters. Consider adding a few “quick win” opportunities this summer to attract new volunteers.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Outreach Giving through donor-advised funds continues to increase. Make sure your website clearly states that you accept DAF gifts and consider adding reminders in newsletters and mid-year donor updates.
Video-First Storytelling Short-form video is becoming one of the most effective ways to share impact. Even simple smartphone videos featuring volunteers, program participants, or staff can boost engagement on social media.
Let’s Dig in to the May Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
Awareness Holidays & Observances
Use these for campaign tie-ins, appreciation posts, or programming ideas:
Month-Long
Mental Health Awareness Month
Older Americans Month
National Foster Care Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Weeks
National Nurses Week
National Teacher Appreciation Week
Key Dates
Endangered Species Day – 3rd Friday in May
Mother’s Day – 2nd Sunday in May
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
Note: While National Volunteer Week is in April, many nonprofits extend celebrations into early May.
Themes this month include service, health, sustainability, gratitude, and awareness.
Key May Tasks
Prep for summer programs and campaigns.
Start drafting your annual report (if your fiscal year ends June 30).
Share “what our volunteers make possible” behind-the-scenes content
Post a group photo or thank-you graphic
Week 2: Community Appreciation Theme: Honor & Outreach
Highlight a group or partner your organization supports or works with (e.g., caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, local heroes)—especially if they’re recognized in a May awareness holiday
Share stories from the field that show the impact of collaboration
Thank supporters or collaborators who help move your mission forward
Share how donations or volunteer time have been used so far
Preview what’s ahead this summer or fall
Week 4: Memorial Day & Mission Reflection Theme: Service & Values
Share stories that align with your mission and values (e.g., community, service, resilience)
Post a message of reflection or gratitude if appropriate for Memorial Day
Launch a summer teaser or sneak peek of upcoming initiatives
Bonus Tip for Nonprofits:
May is a great month to focus on gratitude. Show your appreciation to donors and volunteers before the summer slowdown—it strengthens your relationships and sets the stage for a strong fall.
Look Ahead
April: a time to plant seeds—for growth, engagement, and appreciation. Whether you’re highlighting volunteers, preparing for a campaign, or celebrating small wins, make space this month for stories that show progress and community impact.
May Nonprofit Checklist
Fundraising & Donor Relations
Send a light spring appeal (if you haven’t already).
Host a small donor appreciation event (virtual or in-person).
Launch a Mother’s Day tribute campaign (cards, social posts, donations in honor).
Steward major donors before summer (thank-you notes, informal check-ins).
Share a mid-year impact update with donors.
Events
Finalize plans for walkathons, golf outings, or other spring events.
Begin brainstorming for fall gala or signature fundraising event.
Grants & Reporting
Complete spring grant submissions (many due in May).
Begin collecting stories and stats for annual reports (if FY ends June 30).
Prep mid-year reports or board updates.
Volunteer Engagement
Celebrate volunteers (if you missed April’s National Volunteer Week).
Send thank-you notes or small gifts.
Feature volunteers on social media.
Recruit and onboard volunteers for summer programs.
Communications & Awareness
Post content (social media, blogs, etc.) tied to Awareness Holidays & Observances that relate to your mission:
Mental Health Awareness Month
Foster Care Month
AAPI Heritage Month
Mother’s Day
Memorial Day
Share behind-the-scenes content that shows your impact.
Update your blog, website, or newsletter with spring highlights.
Internal Operations
Begin board recruitment if you have a July or fall turnover.
Hire or onboard summer staff and interns.
Review your budget progress—especially if your fiscal year ends in June.
Hold a spring staff retreat or check-in meeting.
Nonprofit Planning Workbooks
APRIL
April is a vibrant and energizing month for nonprofits. With National Volunteer Month, Earth Day, and other timely observances, it’s a great time to celebrate service, share impact, and connect with supporters before summer begins. It’s also a key planning month for late-spring campaigns and events.Download Your April Workbook
MARCH
March is a springboard—both literally and strategically. Use this month to lift engagement, launch fresh campaigns, and prepare for the busy spring ahead. Light, encouraging content paired with mission-driven messaging works well this time of year.Download Your March Workbook
FEBRUARY
February is your chance to build warmth and loyalty. A heartfelt message or story can go a long way this month. Use this quieter stretch to connect on a human level before spring activities ramp up.Download Your February Workbook
JANUARY
January is a month of reflection and renewal. It’s the perfect time to thank supporters, evaluate last year’s progress, and kick off new initiatives with fresh energy. Whether your fiscal year just started or you're preparing for a new strategic push, January sets the tone for everything to come.Download Your January Workbook
DECEMBER
December is the heart of year-end giving—and one of the busiest months for nonprofits. It’s a time to wrap up campaigns, thank supporters, and ensure your mission shines during the holiday season. With the right mix of impact, gratitude, and calls to action, you can finish the year strong.Download Your December Workbook
NOVEMBER
November is a powerful month for gratitude, generosity, and impact. Between seasonal giving traditions, national awareness observances, and Giving Tuesday, it’s a peak opportunity to connect with your community and rally support before year-end.Download Your November Workbook
OCTOBER
October is a high-activity month for nonprofits. Fall campaigns are underway, events are in full swing, and it’s prime time to deepen donor relationships before the year-end rush.Download Your October Workbook
SEPTEMBER
September kicks off a busy and meaningful season for nonprofits. As summer ends and routines resume, it’s the perfect time to re-engage donors, launch fall campaigns, and spotlight your impact.Download Your September Workbook
AUGUST
August is your nonprofit’s springboard into the busy fall season. While things may still feel quiet externally, this is the month to wrap up summer, re-engage supporters, and lay the groundwork for your most important campaigns of the year.Download Your August Workbook
JULY
July is a quieter month in terms of fundraising, but it’s a prime opportunity for internal resets, strategic planning, light stewardship, and summer storytelling. Whether your nonprofit just kicked off a new fiscal year or is simply riding the mid-year wave, July is your chance to regroup and prepare for the busy fall season.Download Your July Workbook
JUNE
June is a “wrap-and-refresh” month for many nonprofits—especially those closing out their fiscal year at the end of June. It’s a time to finish strong, kick off summer programming, and prepare for a fresh start in July. Whether or not your organization follows a July–June fiscal calendar, this guide helps you stay on track and aligned with the season.Download Your June Workbook
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