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eleo nonprofit monthly planning workbook january

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 January!

In this month’s workbook you’ll find:

  • Key Holidays & Observances
  • Key Tasks for Nonprofits
  • Weekly Content Calendar
  • Nonprofit Checklist
  • Monthly Look Ahead
  • Bonus Tip

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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

eleo nonprofit monthly checklist january new years hat

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

eleo nonprofit monthly calendar 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

Week 2: Wellness & Planning
Theme: Clarity & Intentionality

  • 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
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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.

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Look Ahead

February: Spotlight Black History Month with stories or mission-aligned themes of kindness, love, history, health, education, and justice.

eleo nonprofit monthly checklist 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