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 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.
Let’s Dig in to the August | Nonprofit Monthly Planning Workbook
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.
Awareness Holidays & Observances
Use these awareness dates to create thoughtful, mission-aligned content:
Back-to-School Season (timing varies by region)
National Make-A-Will Month
Black Philanthropy Month
National Wellness Month
National Nonprofit Day – August 17
World Humanitarian Day – August 19
Dog Appreciation Day – August 26
Women’s Equality Day – August 26
Themes this month include long-term impact, education, giving, and re-engagement.
Key August Tasks for Nonprofits
Finalize strategies for Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Day, Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising
Reach out to lapsed or quiet summer donors
Segment donor lists (e.g., LYBUNTs, major donors, recurring givers)
Prepare content calendars and creative assets for September–December
Run or support back-to-school drives or education programs
Promote legacy giving during Make-A-Will Month
Recruit and re-engage volunteers for fall programming
Organize your CRM, digital files, and internal toolkits
Week 3: Nonprofit & Humanitarian Focus Theme: Celebration & Service
Aug 17: National Nonprofit Day – Tell your founding story or post impact stats
Aug 19: World Humanitarian Day – Spotlight a volunteer, donor, or community partner
Share a staff or board appreciation photo or not
Week 4: Back-to-School, Volunteers & Pets Theme: New Starts & Community Support
Launch or recap back-to-school initiatives (drives, scholarships, services)
Share stories of youth or families you serve (if applicable)
Post a volunteer recruitment message
Aug 26: National Dog Day – Share adoptable pets, a pet-themed campaign, or fun behind-the-scenes dog content (if applicable)
Bonus Tip for Nonprofits:
August is your launch pad. It’s the final calm before the year-end rush—use it to organize, motivate, and build momentum. Planning now means more focus, less stress, and stronger results in the fall.
Look Ahead
September: Launch fall fundraising awareness campaigns, onboard fall volunteers or interns, and begin outlining your year-end appeal strategy.
August Nonprofit Checklist
Fundraising & Donor Relations
Celebrate National Nonprofit Day by showcasing your mission and impact
Promote planned giving during Make-A-Will Month
Begin segmenting donors for fall outreach
Send a light summer impact update or thank-you message
Programs & Events
Launch or support back-to-school initiatives (supplies, scholarships, services)
Finalize event plans for September–October (community events, donor gatherings)
Begin fall volunteer onboarding
Communications
Share impact stories tied to school, youth, or summer services
Spotlight awareness holidays and observances listed above that align with your mission
Begin teasing fall campaigns via email and social
Internal Planning & Organization
Hold a team planning meeting or staff kickoff
Prepare internal resources and toolkits for fundraising season
Organize brand assets, donor data, and campaign materials
Track and forecast your Q1 performance (if your Fiscal Year began in July)
Nonprofit Planning Workbooks
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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