As the calendar pages turn to the final months of the year, I find myself grappling with a familiar sentiment: I don’t like the end of the year. There’s a palpable rush everywhere. From streets bustling with holiday cheer to the hurried steps of shoppers, and, not surprisingly, in the busy corridors of nonprofits across the country. It’s a reminder of how swiftly time passes, and it brings with it an overwhelming sense of urgency about everything left unfinished.

Time, especially at the end of the year, has a peculiar way of folding in on itself. One minute we’re planning our annual goals, and the next, we’re tallying up our successes and shortcomings. In my early years at a nonprofit, I marveled at how our perception of time shifted as December approached, with a year’s worth of aspirations needing to be wrapped up neatly, much like the gifts under a tree.

If there’s one thing more daunting than the festive rush, it’s the lingering to-do lists that seem to grow rather than shrink. Every unchecked box is a nudge about our dwindling timeline. I’ve watched many of my colleagues breathe deep sighs of relief or frustration as they faced their own lists—reminders of the persistent gap between ambition and reality. 

This period often thrusts nonprofits into what I refer to as ‘urgency mode.’ It’s a time when the pressure to meet fundraising targets becomes palpable. While some might thrive under pressure, this mode can often lead to hurried decisions and burnout. Operating in ‘urgency mode’ sometimes makes us do silly things, like emailing ‘URGENT’ to everyone and then checking every two minutes to see if the world has ended yet. Having experienced both sides, I’ve learned that this urgency can challenge our capacity to operate thoughtfully and strategically. I usually function well under pressure, but that is because I had expected the “pressure” and developed a plan of action to navigate it [if this feels familiar, I’d love to talk to you].

Yet, there’s another side to this end-of-year narrative. As much as the season can be stressful, it also ushers in an air of kindness and warmth. The festive spirit softens hearts, which can be a significant boon for nonprofits. It’s a time when people are moved to give not just gifts to loved ones, but also their time and resources to causes they care about. 

Generosity peaks in December—proof that people are at their best when dressed in ugly sweaters. It’s the prime time for giving, driven not only by holiday spirit but also the added incentive of year-end tax deductions. Campaigns that tap into this generosity by linking the joy of giving with tangible impacts can see remarkable results.

The falling leaves, drift by my window (listen to the Autumn leaves song while reading this); I get the spleen, along with the excitement for holidays. The feeling of urgency crawls its way, looking to overwhelm me. To combat it, I keep a list of reminders right on my desk—notes to myself that help me stay grounded amidst the chaos. They serve as gentle nudges to slow down, breathe, and focus on what truly matters in the year end campaigns. 

Now, let me share these personal pointers with you; 7 practical tips that might just make the end of the year feel less daunting and more rewarding:

Tip 1: Capitalize on existing content: You do need to have a year-end campaign, and you can craft one which moves hearts (and donations) your way.  If you can’t create new content from scratch, you can re-share stories and successes that inspired you throughout the year. This will save time and reinforce your messages.

Tip 2: Financial Planning Review your budget and prepare for the next year. That is my favorite thing to do and I get that not a lot of people share this feeling. Reviewing the budget isn’t the most festive activity, but it’s less painful than stepping on a Lego, so there’s that.

Tip 3: Streamline donation processes: If there’s one thing you do, let it be this: make giving as easy as possible by optimizing your online donation platforms and pages. This, in itself, is a major breakthrough.

Tip 4: Celebrate and show gratitude: Use this time to reflect with your team or your supporters, on the year’s achievements. Give yourself, and your team, a pat on the back, you have made it through. Share success stories that demonstrate how contributions have made a difference.

Tip 5: Simplify your asks: Focus on clear, concise asks. This is not the time to overhaul your fundraising message but to refine it to resonate with the year-end giving spirit.

Tip 6: Personal outreach: A simple message of thanks can go a long way. Reach out to X (enter feasible number, 5? 10? 20?) donors personally to express gratitude and share holiday wishes, which can strengthen relationships.

Tip 7: Collect and capture feedback: I use the last few pages of my agenda to write down feedback and advice to myself; what stressed me and what worked and what I want to keep in mind in the next year. I make sure to review these in the new year, with a fresh outlook. 

BONUS: the tip that tops everything, and that I remind myself of, throughout the year: Watch out for the burnout! Look for early signs and care for yourself and your team. Acknowledge your hard work, offer flexibility when possible, and provide encouragement during this hectic time. 

While the end of the year may bring a rush of stress and urgency, it also holds significant potential for growth and connection. By reframing our perspective and planning strategically, we can transform this busy time into a season of meaningful impact and warm connections.

If you are, like me, gloomy at the end of this year, consider our end of year support offer! CHECK IT OUT

Let’s carry this conversation forward. I invite you to share your experiences and tips for navigating the end of year in the nonprofit sector. Together, let’s a community of learning and support, making each year more impactful than the last.

 Author Bio

Janine is a nonprofit leader and a certified fundraiser who enjoys helping meaningful nonprofits to grow. She builds on her wide experience to build a context-specific and adapted strategy for every organization she works with. She loves to solve puzzles, take long walks and learn new things.