Don't Miss the End-of-the-Year Appeal
Giving always blesses the giver—but at the end of the year, that blessing is often compounded.
By David Sena | BoldLeading.com
"…The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
— Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Don’t Miss the End-of-Year Appeal
Executive Directors, let me encourage you—don’t miss your end-of-year appeal.
Every ministry leader knows the calendar brings natural rhythms to fundraising. Three of the most important are:
Easter (Spring)—When the message of resurrection and hope connects deeply with donors.
September (Fall)—When people return to routines and are more open to giving to general needs.
Year-End (Winter)—The single most important window for major giving.
Why Easter, Fall, and Year-End Matter
Easter: The resurrection message of Easter creates a natural opportunity to highlight hope, renewal, and Christ’s transforming power. Donors are inspired when your ministry’s stories align with the message of new life.
September: As families settle into new rhythms—back to school, back to work—your supporters are ready to reengage. Appeals for meals, programs, and urgent needs resonate well during this season.
Year-End: The most strategic giving season of all. Donors are often considering:
Tax-wise generosity. Many make larger gifts before December 31 for charitable deductions.
Capital projects and bigger dreams. Year-end gifts often become catalysts for larger initiatives.
Celebrating impact. The holidays stir gratitude, making it the perfect time to share testimonies of lives changed.
For faith-based and compassion-driven ministries, the year-end appeal isn’t just about budgets—it’s about proclaiming the good news of what God is doing. From children cared for to families restored to lives changed through Christ, these stories are worth sharing boldly.
A Practical Word
Don’t overcomplicate your appeals. Keep your messaging clear:
1. Tell one or two powerful stories. Personal, Christ-centered, and easy to connect with.
2. Offer specific ways to give. From daily needs to stretch gifts, show how each gift makes a difference.
3. Invite prayer and participation. Prayer fuels generosity and broadens engagement.
Final Word
If you’re leading a nonprofit ministry, these three seasons are too strategic to miss. Easter inspires hope. Fall refills the work of daily ministry. And year-end giving can be transformational—for your donors and your mission.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Call to Action
Want help preparing your year-end appeal? At Bold Leading, we help ministries like yours create clear, compelling messages that inspire generosity.
Schedule a consult today and let’s make sure you don’t miss the moment that could shape your ministry’s future.
About Bold Leading
Bold Leading helps faith-based nonprofits grow with clarity, strategy, and Christ-centered confidence. Whether it’s fundraising leadership, board development, or nonprofit strategy, our heart is to equip leaders to serve faithfully and grow their Kingdom impact.
Contact: dave@boldleading.com
Visit: BoldLeading.com
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:11