11 Creative End-of-Year Giving Campaigns to Try
By Whit Hunter on
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The end of the year is a crucial time when nonprofits raise the most funds. In fact, depending on the organization, nonprofits can generate 17–31% of their online revenue in December alone! (Source)
However, with so many organizations seeking support during this period, standing out can be a challenge. That’s where creativity comes into play. With fresh and unique campaign ideas, you can distinguish your nonprofit and engage donors in new ways.
Today, we will explore 11 creative end-of-year giving campaign ideas designed to help you maximize your impact and secure those important end-of-year donations. Let’s make your end-of-year giving campaign the most successful one yet!
Why End-of-Year Campaigns Matter
The end of the year is special for many reasons, but one of the most notable is the spirit of giving that accompanies the holiday season. People are naturally more generous at this time of the year, reflecting on how they can help others.
Another significant reason is the tax deductions. Many people increase their charitable giving before year-end to take advantage of potential tax write-offs. Did you know that 30% of all annual donations happen in December alone? That’s not all—10% of annual giving takes place in just the last three days of the year. (Source) It's no surprise that this is the prime time for donations.
Aside from the holiday spirit and tax benefits, the end of the year is also a time when people reflect on what matters most to them. Many feel a strong connection to causes they care about and are eager to make a difference before the year ends.
As people reflect on their finances and search for meaningful ways to give, your end-of-year giving campaign ideas can truly make a difference.
1. Facebook Fundraiser
Did you know that 18% of donors worldwide have used Facebook’s fundraising tools, and 88% of those say they are likely to give through Facebook again in the future? (Source)
Facebook makes fundraising easier by letting nonprofits set up a fundraiser right on the platform. You can create a fundraising page, set your goal, and share it with your Facebook community.
Supporters can donate directly on Facebook without needing to visit an external site.
To make the most of it, keep your audience engaged by sharing updates and thanking donors as the campaign progresses. You can also ask your followers to set up their own fundraisers on your behalf, amplifying your reach.
2. Crowdfunding Campaign
Crowdfunding allows you to raise money by inviting lots of people to contribute small amounts.
BetterWorld’s Free Crowdfunding Platform lets you set up a campaign page where you explain your cause, set a goal, and encourage people to donate. You get to use all the features and keep all the money you raise! Request a demo today to find out more.
What makes crowdfunding unique is that it focuses on reaching a large audience and attracting lots of small donations rather than relying on a few big donors.
Here’s an interesting fact: 41% of people donate to crowdfunding campaigns that directly benefit individuals. (Source) If you're thinking about running an end-of-year fundraising campaign, crowdfunding can be a smart way to reach folks who want to make a personal impact.
By crafting a clear and compelling story, you can connect donors to your cause in a personal way.
3. Text-to-Give Campaign
A Text-to-Give campaign enables people to donate simply by sending a text message. This quick and easy method is perfect for end-of-year giving when everyone is busy but still eager to give.
Set up a Text-to-Give campaign through an online platform and promote the text number on your website, social media, and email. It’s also great for events where you can display the number on a screen for attendees to see and act on right away.
Keep in mind that simplicity is key here. Make sure your instructions are clear and easy to follow so donors can complete their end-of-year donations quickly.
Want to boost your efforts even more? Check out "Top Strategies to Boost Your Year-End Campaigns" for quick tips!
4. Peer-to-Peer Campaign
If you have a loyal donor base, nothing beats the power of peer-to-peer fundraising. Peer-to-peer fundraising allow your supporters to raise money on your behalf by reaching out to their own networks.
Each participant creates their own fundraising page and shares it with friends, family, and coworkers, encouraging them to give. This method can significantly extend your reach, as people are more likely to support causes endorsed by their friends.
To run a successful peer-to-peer campaign, equip your supporters with essential tools like pre-written messages or social media posts.
Make sure to offer plenty of encouragement and recognition along the way to keep them motivated. And what better place is there than BetterWorld for peer-to-peer fundraising? Our platform offers unlimited campaigns with all the features included for free!
Using this approach for your end-of-year giving campaign ideas can boost engagement and bring in donations from people you might not have reached otherwise.
5. Holiday Donation Catalog
Bring creativity to your year-end donation campaign with a holiday donation catalog. This is like a gift catalog, but instead of buying items for themselves, donors choose to fund specific needs for your organization.
For example, they can "purchase" a warm meal for someone in need or cover the cost of school supplies for children. It makes giving more personal by allowing donors to see exactly how their contribution will make an impact.
Create a simple online catalog or PDF with images and descriptions of the various donation options, offering multiple price points so everyone can contribute meaningfully.
This unique twist can make your end-of-year fundraising campaign more engaging and meaningful for your supporters.
6. Giving Tuesday Blitz
Giving Tuesday is one of the biggest days of the year for donations. It’s a global movement that kicks off the end-of-year giving season, encouraging people to support their favorite causes.
Last year, donors in the United States gave a staggering $3.1 billion on Giving Tuesday, but this only reflected a 0.06% increase over 2022. (Source) That means there’s still plenty of potential for growth, and your organization can use that.
Plan a 24-hour challenge with hourly updates, social media stories, and mini-challenges to keep donors excited and engaged to make your campaign stand out.
Start promoting your campaign a few weeks before, and use creative content like videos and personal stories to draw attention. On the big day, keep the momentum going with live updates, goal tracking, and shout-outs to donors.
This kind of focused energy can really make your end-of-year fundraising campaign shine and help you hit your goals.
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7. Year-End Raffle or Auction
A year-end raffle or auction is a fun and engaging way to bring in donations. For a raffle, you sell tickets and draw winners for various prizes. Auctions, on the other hand, let donors bid on items or experiences, with the highest bidder winning.
Both approaches offer a chance to involve your community in a lively way as part of your year-end giving campaign.
To set one up, you'll need to gather some attractive prizes—these could be donated items, gift baskets, or even experiences like trips or dinners. Promote your raffle or auction through email, social media, and your website.
Be sure to highlight the prizes and create a sense of urgency by reminding donors that the event is happening at the end of the year.
To make it easy, use BetterWorld for your online auctions and raffles. Let us do the hard work while you focus on your cause and connect with your donors.
8. Legacy Giving Campaign
Legacy giving allows your donors to make lasting contributions by including your organization in their wills, trusts, or estate plans. This powerful approach enables supporters to sustain your mission long after they're gone.
To approach potential legacy donors, focus on those who have been loyal to your cause for years. These individuals are more likely to consider leaving a gift.
You can share examples of legacy gifts, such as a donor leaving a portion of their life insurance policy or setting up a charitable remainder trust. Explain how these gifts can have a long-term impact, whether it’s funding scholarships, supporting ongoing programs, or building new facilities.
A dedicated page on your website outlining the benefits and process of legacy giving is a great place to start. Incorporating this into your year-end giving campaign ideas gives people a chance to reflect on their values and the lasting difference they wish to make.
9. Recurring Giving Program
A Recurring Giving Program encourages donors to set up regular, automated donations- monthly, quarterly, or annually. This giving avenue builds consistent support for your organization throughout the year rather than relying solely on one-time gifts.
Make it easy for donors to sign up by offering recurring donation options on your donation page. Highlight the convenience of automated donations to attract busy donors who want to give but might forget to do so regularly. As part of your end-of-year donation strategy, a recurring giving program ensures that support continues into the new year without requiring additional steps from donors. BetterWorld's donor management software and online donation software , you can facilitate seamless recurring donations without any fees! With their donation software, you can keep the money flowing by giving your donors the ability to donate once, monthly, or annually without paying any fees or charges!
Plus, BetterWorld’s donor management software gives you a powerful suite of tools to supercharge donor engagement, making it easy to track, communicate with, and retain your supporters.
Sign up For Free to get all these features for your end-of-year donation campaign and set yourself up for success well into the new year.
10. Email & Direct Mail Campaigns
Nonprofits enjoy one of the highest direct mail response rates (5.3%) and email open rates (28.59%), which is significantly higher than other sectors or industries. So why not use this to your benefit?
An email campaign is a simple way to reach donors quickly. Craft a series of messages highlighting the importance of giving during the year-end season and include a strong call to action with links to your donation page.
Segment your audience—personalized emails perform better, so adjust your message for new donors, recurring donors, and those who have lapsed.
Direct mail also works well, especially for supporters who prefer traditional communication. Use impactful stories and a personal tone to show how their year-end donation can make a difference.
A mix of both email and direct mail can be highly effective for your year-end fundraising campaign.
11. Year-End Social Media Campaigns
We can’t overlook the power of social media in your end-of-year giving campaign!
In early 2024, there were 207.0 million users aged 18 and above using social media in the USA, representing 77.4 percent of that demographic. (Source)
A Year-End Social Media Campaign helps you connect with a large audience quickly and effectively. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to spread the word about your campaign.
Inspire people to donate and share your cause with their networks by sharing impactful stories, videos, and visuals.
Create a consistent message that connects with your followers to get the most out of your social media efforts. Use engaging content like behind-the-scenes videos, donor shout-outs, or infographics showing how donations make a difference.
Launching mini-challenges or match campaigns is also helpful to encourage more giving during the year-end season. This strategy can easily amplify your end-of-year giving campaign ideas by reaching supporters where they’re most active.

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