Year-end fundraising is not only a development department responsibility.
It is a leadership priority.
Boards play an important role in helping nonprofit organizations prepare for the most important giving season of the year. They provide oversight, strategy, credibility, and relationship support.
But too often, board conversations about fundraising focus only on one question:
“How much do we need to raise?”
That question matters, but it is not enough.
A stronger board conversation begins with better questions.
1. Which donors have not yet renewed?
Board members should understand donor retention. If loyal donors have not yet given this year, September is the time to identify them and create a plan.
Some may need a phone call. Some may need a personal note. Some may simply need to hear how their past support made a difference.
2. Have we thanked donors enough?
Stewardship should be reviewed before solicitation begins.
Board members can ask:
- Have first-time donors been thanked?
- Have major donors received personal contact?
- Have monthly donors been recognized?
- Have volunteers been appreciated?
If the answer is no, there is still time to act.
3. Is our donor data ready?
A year-end campaign is only as strong as the data behind it.
Boards should ask whether addresses, phone numbers, emails, giving history, and donor segments are current.
Poor data wastes money and weakens communication.
4. What role should board members play?
Not every board member will be comfortable asking for gifts. But every board member can help build relationships.
They can:
- Make thank-you calls
- Write notes
- Attend donor meetings
- Share impact stories
- Introduce potential supporters
- Participate in Giving Tuesday outreach
Board involvement strengthens donor confidence.
5. What story are we telling?
Year-end fundraising should not focus only on need. It should communicate impact.
Boards should help leadership identify the clearest, most compelling stories of the year.
Donors need to understand what their support makes possible.
6. Are we starting early enough?
If a board waits until November to discuss year-end fundraising, opportunities may already be missed.
September is the time to review plans, assign responsibilities, and prepare donor outreach.
7. How will we follow up?
The year-end campaign does not end when gifts are received. Stewardship should be planned before the campaign launches.
Boards should ask how donors will be thanked in January.
Board leadership matters
Donors notice when leadership is engaged. A board that participates in stewardship sends a powerful message: this mission matters, and donor relationships matter.
At Donor Outreach by JMA, we help organizations create board-friendly outreach strategies that make donor engagement easier, more comfortable, and more effective.
If your board wants to be more involved in year-end stewardship and donor outreach, Donor Outreach by JMA can help develop a practical plan.