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 January Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
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.
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.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – 3rd Monday of January
World Braille Day – January 4
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day January – January 10
International Day of Education – January 24
International Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27
Data Privacy Day – January 28
National Mentoring Month
Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Financial Wellness Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Blood Donor Month
Themes this month include reflection, service, wellness, education, human rights, and new beginnings.
Key January Tasks for Nonprofits
Send New Year thank-you messages to donors, volunteers, and partners
Launch your first campaign or initiative of the year (if applicable)
Report on year-end giving results and organizational impact
Analyze donor retention and giving patterns from the previous year
Refresh content calendars and fundraising plans for Q1
Begin planning for spring appeals or events
Engage volunteers for MLK Day of Service or winter programs
Reconnect with lapsed supporters and reintroduce your mission
Weekly January Content Calendar
Week 1: New Year & Gratitude Theme: Fresh Start & Appreciation
Share a message of thanks and optimism for the year ahead
Post year-end results or highlights
Reintroduce your mission or vision for the new year
Share tips or stories tied to Financial Wellness Month or goal-setting
Give supporters a sneak peek of upcoming initiatives
Highlight volunteer opportunities or new ways to get involved
Week 3: Service & Reflection Theme: Action & Legacy
Participate in MLK Day of Service with a service event or message
Share a quote or moment that reflects your organization’s values
Post volunteer spotlights or photos from community engagement
Week 4: Awareness & Education Theme: Learning & Support
Share a resource, story, or program tied to National Mentoring Month
Recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan 27), if applicable
Provide educational content related to your mission or focus area
Bonus Tip for Nonprofits:
January is your reset and relationship-builder. Your donors, volunteers, and community are ready for inspiration. Lead with purpose, appreciation, and vision—build trust now to strengthen engagement all year long.
Look Ahead
February: Spotlight Black History Month with stories or mission-aligned themes of kindness, love, history, health, education, and justice.
January Nonprofit Checklist
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
Share thank-you messages tied to Valentine’s Day or Kindness Week
Launch a mini winter campaign or donor challenge
Send a February update to recent or first-time donors
Begin preparing messaging and goals for spring appeals
Programs & Events
Recognize health, education, or advocacy-related initiatives
Host a small event or workshop (virtual or in-person)
Begin promoting March or April events or drives
Communications
Share stories tied to Black History Month, Heart Month, or Kindness Week
Use light, personal messaging around love, care, and gratitude
Highlight awareness days that align with your mission (e.g., Rare Disease Day, Social Justice Day)
Internal Planning
Review early-year progress and adjust Q1 goals if needed
Finalize spring fundraising calendar and team responsibilities
Clean up donor or volunteer records from recent activities
Meet with staff or board to align on March priorities
Nonprofit Planning Workbooks
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
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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