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 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. Whether you’re fundraising, raising awareness, or deepening relationships, this month sets the pace for year-end success.
Let’s Dig in to the September Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
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. Whether you’re fundraising, raising awareness, or deepening relationships, this month sets the pace for year-end success.
Key Holidays & Observances
Use these awareness dates to create thoughtful, mission-aligned content:
Back-to-School Season (continues in early September)
National Preparedness Month
Hunger Action Month
Suicide Prevention Month
National Recovery Month
National Service Dog Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month – Begins September 15
National Arts in Education Week – Begins the second Sunday of September
Labor Day – First Monday of September
National Food Bank Day – First Friday of September
Grandparents’ Day – First Sunday after Labor Day
National Read a Book Day – September 6
Patriot Day – September 11
National Day of Encouragement – September 12
International Day of Peace – September 21
World Alzheimer’s Day – September 21
Voter Registration Day – September 24 (4th Tuesday in September)
Ganesh Chaturthi – Falls in August or September
Rosh Hashanah – Falls in September or October
Yom Kippur – Falls in September or October
Sukkot – Falls in September or October
Navaratri / Durga Puja – Falls in September or October
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – Falls in September or October
Themes this month include preparedness, education, mental health, community service, remembrance, and civic participation.
Key September Tasks for Nonprofits
Launch fall fundraising or awareness campaigns
Finalize Giving Tuesday timelines, assets, and messaging
Re-engage major donors and lapsed supporters
Share impact updates from Q3 (or summer activities)
Post or email fall event invitations or campaign teasers
Onboard fall volunteers or interns
Organize content for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)
Recognize the International Day of Peace (Sept 21)
Promote Voter Registration Day (Sept 24) with nonpartisan resources
Share opportunities to get involved before year-end (events, volunteering, peer fundraising)
Bonus Tip for Nonprofits:
September is your momentum builder. With fall in full swing, focus on consistent engagement, early campaign prep, and strong storytelling. This month sets the tone for your most important fundraising quarter—don’t wait to connect, share impact, and inspire action.
Look Ahead
October: Fall campaigns are underway, events are in full swing, and it’s prime time to deepen donor relationships before the year-end rush. It’s also a great month for storytelling, service, and creative engagement.
September Nonprofit Checklist
Fundraising & Donor Relations
Launch your fall appeal or peer-to-peer campaign
Reconnect with LYBUNT donors and major gift prospects
Share a “summer impact” report or donor thank-you
Finalize Giving Tuesday campaign plan and assets
Programs & Events
Host or promote fall events (community gatherings, webinars, service days)
Share stories of transformation or community impact
Highlight observances like Hispanic Heritage Month, National Recovery Month, or Voter Registration Day
Begin messaging for Giving Tuesday or year-end (light teasers or save-the-dates)
Internal Planning & Organization
Check in on annual goals or KPIs (Q3 wrap-up)
Organize content and creative assets for fall
Meet with your team to align on final-quarter priorities
Review your CRM or email list for segmentation and cleanup
Nonprofit Planning Workbooks
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
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.Download Your May Workbook
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