Short in time? Here’s how to prep fast for Giving Tuesday and year-end appeal

Giving Tuesday is almost here and year-end season is coming fast. If you’re like most fundraisers and nonprofit marketers, you’re probably juggling campaign emails, donor lists, website edits, social posts and a hundred small tasks. The good news is that you still have time to set yourself up for a strong finish.

Two weeks is tight but totally doable. The key is focusing on quick wins that create clarity, trust and ease for your donors. Here’s what you should prioritise right now.

1. Tighten up your donation page this week

With Giving Tuesday around the corner, your donation page will soon be flooded with traffic. That means every detail counts. Make sure the page loads fast, works smoothly on mobile and makes the giving process as simple as possible.

If you need guidance on what to fix first, check out my post Make Every Click Count for practical ideas.

And if your donation tool is slowing you down, this is a good moment to consider tools like Donorbox, which are quick to set up and donor-friendly.
It helps take the stress out of last-minute campaign prep. You can explore it here:

2. Make sure your website builds trust quickly

Donors will visit your website right before giving. Trust matters. Even small updates can make a big difference.

Do a quick check:

• Is your mission statement clear?
• Do you show what impact donations create?
• Are your photos and stories current?
• Does the homepage make your call to action obvious?

You can use my article on crafting a compelling charity website if you want a refresher on what strengthens donor confidence.

For broader guidance, the National Council of Nonprofits also shares fundraising resources on building trust with supporters.

3. Warm up your audience even if you’re short on time

Even with only two weeks left, you can still reconnect with your audience before the big ask.

Don’t make your Giving Tuesday email the only email they are getting in the past 3 months.

Ideas you can do in 24 to 48 hours:

• Send a gratitude email highlighting recent wins
• Post a short behind-the-scenes video on social media
• Share a donor or beneficiary quote
• Publish a quick impact story

These simple touchpoints help your audience feel connected and ready to support you on Giving Tuesday and again at year-end.

If you need more ideas, take a look at Donor Care 101.

4. Lock in your Giving Tuesday content now

You do not want to be writing emails at midnight on Dec 1st. Prep them now.

Create:

• One strong story or message theme

   

• The Giving Tuesday email sequence

   

• A social media kit with 3 to 5 posts

   

• A thank-you message to send within 24 hours

   

A matching gift is ideal but not essential. Even without it, clarity and momentum matter more than fancy campaign extras.

5. Plan ahead for December 31

Giving Tuesday is only the kickoff. The bulk of donations still come during the last week of December.

Make sure you prepare:

• A reminder email for December 29 or 30

   

• A final call-to-give message for December 31

   

• A warm thank-you email ready for early January

   

If you want help polishing your donation page ahead of year-end, check out this article I wrote a while back on updating your donation page for maximum impact.

Also, if you’re interested in creative add-ons for your online fundraising, check out:
4 Creative Options to Boost Online Fundraising.

Final thoughts

Two weeks may feel short but it’s enough time to polish your donor experience and set up a clean, strong Giving Tuesday and year-end campaign. Focus on what really matters right now: clarity, trust and ease. Donors want to support you. Your job is to make it simple for them.

If you need help refining your year-end strategy or reviewing your donation page, I’m always here. 

Need help?

My specialized online fundraising services for non-profits go beyond fundraising. It’s about setting up your organization for success, using the right tools and platforms to inspire action and foster a dedicated community of supporters.

Together, let’s transform your online platform into a powerful tool that amplifies your impact and drives results.

Book a free call to learn more and embark on your journey towards a more impactful and engaging online presence.

Here’s what I can help you with:

• Compelling copywriting and content writing: Create captivating website copy, engaging blog posts, and effective email marketing materials that resonate with your audience.
• Strategic email marketing: Design targeted email campaigns to nurture leads, build relationships, and foster ongoing supporter engagement.
• Streamlined online donation set-up: Simplify the process for your supporters to donate online, maximizing your fundraising potential.
• Website creation tailored for non-profits: Develop a user-friendly and visually appealing website that showcases your mission, stories of impact, and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for your dedication to driving positive change. Let’s embark on this digital journey and amplify your charitable endeavors together!