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!
Let’s Dig in to the December Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
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.
Key Holidays & Observances
Use these dates to spark content ideas and plan around times that may affect engagement or scheduling. Includes civic, cultural, and religious holidays. Always check for other major observances that may vary by year.
Holiday Season – Throughout December (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year prep)
National Giving Month
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
World Aids Day – December 1
National Special Education Day – December 2
National Mutt Day – December 2
International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3
National Day of Giving (Giving Tuesday follow-up) – Early December
Human Rights Day – December 10
Christmas Day – December 25
Kwanzaa – December 26 to January 1
New Year’s Eve – December 31
Hanukkah – Falls in November or December
Themes this month include generosity, dignity, compassion, family, year-end reflection, and celebration.
Key December Tasks for Nonprofits
Drive your year-end fundraising campaign
Promote deadline-driven giving (tax-deductible before Dec 31)
Post gratitude messages and campaign milestones
Share holiday content that reflects your mission and values
Segment and personalize thank-you messages
Schedule final appeals via email, social, and mail
Prepare January stewardship and campaign reports
Coordinate any holiday service projects or events
Highlight stories that inspire year-end generosity
Promote early giving to help reach your year-end goal
Post a story of someone positively impacted this year
Week 2: Human Rights & Community Support Theme: Dignity & Mission
Recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3)
Highlight how your mission upholds dignity, access, or inclusion
Promote seasonal volunteer opportunities or acts of kindness
Week 3: Holiday Spirit & Impact Theme: Joy & Generosity
Post holiday-themed content tied to your mission (photos, stories, quotes)
Encourage donations “in honor of” someone for a meaningful gift
Share fun behind-the-scenes moments from staff, programs, or volunteers
Week 4: Final Countdown Theme: Urgency & Celebration
Share “last chance to give in 2024” messages
Post year-in-review highlights or donation milestones
Wish your supporters a happy holiday and thank them for being part of your year
Bonus Tip for Nonprofits:
December is about showing up with heart and purpose. While others are winding down, nonprofits are wrapping up their biggest campaign of the year. Stay focused, stay warm, and finish strong—every story, gift, and thank-you matters.
Look Ahead
December: 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.
December Nonprofit Checklist
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Drive your year-end giving campaign across all channels
Promote deadlines for tax-deductible donations
Share impact stories that resonate emotionally and seasonally
Send thank-you emails, cards, or videos before year-end
Programs & Events
Run or support holiday drives (meals, gifts, winter clothing)
Share community highlights tied to the holiday season
Host virtual or in-person year-end gatherings or reflections
Communications
Post messages for holidays you observe (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s)
Highlight your mission through year-end visuals and social content
Use countdown messaging in the final 5–10 days to boost giving
Internal Planning
Finalize plans for January follow-up and donor stewardship
Schedule thank-you workflows and campaign performance reviews
Segment donors for personalized January outreach
Meet with your team for a year-end wrap-up and staff appreciation
Nonprofit Planning Workbooks
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
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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