End of the Year (Calendar) Fundraising
Here are the resources you need to reach out to your donors regarding special year-end gifts. Many individuals choose to make unique contributions at this time, which can include stock donations, gifts from their IRA, or a-time cash contribution.
End of Year Email
The End of Year Email is a ready-to-use message that can be sent to school supporters, including parents, alumni, and past donors, encouraging them to make a year-end gift. The email emphasizes gratitude for their past generosity and outlines various giving options, such as online donations, mailed checks, stock gifts, and IRA charitable rollovers.
How to Use It:
Send this email in mid-to-late December, (e.g., December 15 ) to maximize engagement.
Personalize the message with the recipient’s name and, if possible, reference their past giving.
Include a direct link to the donation page to make giving easy.
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End of Year Letter
The End of Year Letter is a printed and can be sent to key supporters, reinforcing the importance of their contributions and inviting them to make a year-end gift. It takes a personal, storytelling approach by describing the impact of Catholic education on students.
How to Use It:
Mail this letter to major donors and consistent supporters in early December. Enclose a return envelope and a Ways to Give insert that provides multiple donation methods. Consider a follow-up phone call or email to donors who have not yet responded. Print and hand-deliver copies to school families at holiday concerts or parish gatherings.
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End of Year Social Media Plan
The End of Year Social Media Plan is a structured posting guide for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter that spans December 1-31. It provides weekly themes, including gratitude messages, impact stories, and donation reminders.
How to Use It:
Schedule posts in advance using a social media management tool. Use real student, teacher, or parent stories to make messages more compelling. Include high-quality images or videos to boost engagement. Add a donation link in every post and encourage supporters to share. Run a final 48-hour push on December 30-31 to emphasize the urgency of making a tax-deductible gift before the year ends.
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Christmas Letter
The Christmas Letter is a heartfelt message of gratitude that schools can send to donors, parents, alumni, and supporters during the holiday season. Without asking for donations, this letter expresses appreciation for the generosity that helps sustain Catholic education and highlights how students benefit from a faith-centered learning environment. It connects the spirit of Christmas with the school’s mission, reinforcing the impact of a Catholic education on students' academic and spiritual growth. Schools can use this letter to strengthen relationships with supporters, fostering a sense of community and goodwill as the year comes to a close.
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How to Use It:
Schedule the letter to arrive in inboxes on Christmas.
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Happy New Year Email
The New Year Email is a warm and uplifting message sent to school supporters, including parents, alumni, and donors, to celebrate the start of the new year. This email looks ahead to the excitement of students returning from break, highlights the joy of learning in a Catholic school community, and expresses gratitude for the continued support of those who make the school’s mission possible. Without asking for donations, it reinforces the school’s values and builds goodwill among supporters as the new semester begins.
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How to Use It:
Send on January 1st: Schedule the email for New Year’s Day to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Personalize the Message: Use the recipient’s name and, if possible, reference their connection to the school.
Pair with Photos or Videos: Include images of past school events, classrooms, or students to make the message more engaging.
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Enhanced Ideas for Schools to Engage Donors at the End of the Year
At the end of the year, Catholic schools have a unique opportunity to connect with donors in creative and meaningful ways beyond traditional letters and emails. From heartfelt video messages and student performances to handwritten notes and social media engagement, these enhanced ideas help strengthen relationships with supporters while celebrating the joy of the Christmas season. Whether through a Christmas carol sung by students, a special blessing at a school Mass, or a behind-the-scenes video tour, each effort reinforces the impact of donor generosity and the mission of Catholic education. Click the box above for all the ideas to make this year-end season even more special for your school community.
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