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!
This month we feature May!
May is a transitional month for many nonprofits—wrapping up spring efforts, ramping up for summer programs, and laying the groundwork for fall. Whether you’re focused on fundraising, volunteer engagement, or program planning, this guide will help you make the most of May.
In this month’s workbook you’ll find:
- May Awareness, Holidays & Observances
- Key May Tasks for Nonprofits
- Weekly May Content Calendar
- May Nonprofit Checklist
- Monthly Look Ahead
- Bonus Tip
Download the workbook now, or scroll to check it out!
Download Monthly Workbook
Let’s Dig in to the May | Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
May is a transitional month for many nonprofits—wrapping up spring efforts, ramping up for summer programs, and laying the groundwork for fall. Whether you’re focused on fundraising, volunteer engagement, or program planning, this guide will help you make the most of May.
Awareness, Holidays & Observances
Use these for campaign tie-ins, appreciation posts, or programming ideas:
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Older Americans Month
- National Foster Care Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
- National Nurses Week – May 6–12
- National Teacher Appreciation Week – May 6–10
- 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.
Key May Tasks for Nonprofits
- Prep for summer programs and campaigns.
- Start drafting your annual report (if your fiscal year ends June 30).
- Review CRM data and donation forms for accuracy.
- Touch base with lapsed donors or board members.
- Continue content gathering (stories, quotes, photos).
Weekly May Content Calendar
Week 1: Volunteer Appreciation
Theme: Gratitude & Impact
- Spotlight a volunteer story
- 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
Week 3: Mid-Year Checkpoint
Theme: Progress & Transparency
- Post a “5 months in” impact update
- 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 — it’s after the heavy winter giving season but before the summer slowdown. A little donor and volunteer love now can make a big difference before your big fall push.
Look Ahead
May: Events, donor stewardship, summer prep, awareness campaigns
June: Mid-year reports, fiscal year-end (for many), slower donor activity
July: New fiscal year (for many), planning for fall
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.
Fundraising Events
- Finalize plans for walkathons, golf outings, or other spring events.
- Promote upcoming events—boost ticket sales, send reminders.
- 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.
Nonprofit 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.
Nonprofit 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.
