How to Start 2026 Strong: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofits

As we enter 2026, nonprofit leaders face a crucial question: How do we build on last year’s momentum while positioning our organization for sustainable growth? The answer lies in a dual-focused strategy: strengthen relationships with your current donors while strategically expanding your major gift pipeline.

Two Goals That Drive Success

Goal #1: Deepen Relationships with Current Donors

Your current donors already believe in your mission. The work now is to retain them, cultivate deeper engagement, and invite them to increase their investment.

A comprehensive “ways to give” approach ensures every supporter — whether contributing $1 or making a transformational gift — has a meaningful path to support your mission at a level that aligns with their capacity and interests.

Goal #2: Identify and Qualify New Major Gift Prospects

Here’s a reality check for nonprofit leaders:

Major gifts typically comprise 80–90% of your annual revenue.

Yet many organizations lack a systematic method to identify and qualify high-capacity prospects. Building a robust major gift pipeline is not optional — it is essential to your organization’s sustainability.

This requires a moves management system that guides both current and prospective major donors through distinct stages of cultivation and solicitation. With a clear framework, you can see exactly where each prospect stands and what needs to happen next to move them toward solicitation and stewardship.

Four Strategic Tools to Achieve Both Goals

1. Create a Compelling Impact Report — Your Most Versatile Tool

Your impact report is the most versatile tool in your fundraising toolkit. A well-crafted report serves both retention and acquisition goals all year long.

For Current Donors:
Use your impact report to steward and thank existing supporters. It’s the perfect leave-behind at meetings, an attachment to mid-year thank-you notes, or a follow-up after a gift. It reinforces why their support matters and keeps your work top of mind.

For Prospective Donors:
This same report becomes your introduction to new major gift prospects. It answers the question every prospect asks:

“What will my gift actually accomplish?”

An effective impact report should include:

• Tangible outcomes achieved

• Program highlights with metrics and stories

• Goals accomplished — and how donor support made them possible

• High-level financial summary showing how funds were used

• Donor spotlights and stories

• Recognition at all levels — annual, mid-level, major, legacy

• What’s next — upcoming priorities, goals, and opportunities to invest

• Emotional connection through narrative and gratitude

Think of your impact report as a thank-you letter, a case for support, and an invitation to deepen engagement — all in one.

Better yet, think of it as a tool you will use dozens of times throughout 2026. It is one of the highest-return investments you can make this year.

2. Develop a Stewardship & Communications Plan That Runs on Autopilot

Ad hoc communication does not build lasting relationships — and it consumes time you should be spending cultivating major gifts.

Here’s the game-changer:

Map out your communications plan for the next 6–12 months with draft deadlines, themes, and deployment dates.

The magic is in the structure + flexibility.

You set the cadence now, then adjust throughout the year to highlight major gifts, announce partnerships, or showcase new programs. Your messaging stays relevant, while the framework ensures consistency.

Your plan should include:

• Personal acknowledgment letters

• Segmented email updates

• Touchpoints beyond asks — phone calls, stories, invitations, gratitude

• A calendar that prevents over- or under-communication

Why this matters:
Once communications are systematized, you can focus on what moves the needle — major gift cultivation.

Automated emails and scheduled letters keep your broad donor base engaged while you are making calls, hosting tours, and meeting prospects.

This is especially powerful for small teams. When you’re wearing multiple hats, you can’t choose between stewardship and major gifts — you need both. A system makes it possible.

Your broad communications keep your full donor base connected.
Your moves management system tracks major gift cultivation.

Your time goes where it generates the greatest return: advancing major gift conversations toward solicitation.

3. Build or Strengthen Your Prospect Pipeline with Strategic Moves Management

A moves management system is your roadmap for major gift cultivation. It should:

• Track where each prospect sits in the cycle

• Define clear next steps

• Assign relationship responsibility

• Set timelines and milestones

• Document interactions and insights

Start 2026 with a pipeline audit.

Gather your team and review your prospect list:

• Move completed gifts off the active pipeline

• Add back donors who are ready for another ask in 2026

A donor who gave a major gift last year is not “done.” They are a proven investor who may be ready to do more.

Without a system, opportunities are lost.
With one, you create a predictable, scalable model for major gift success.

4. Conduct Wealth Screening for Strategic Prospects

Data-driven prospect identification dramatically improves efficiency.

Consider screening:

• All new donors from 2025

• Anyone who gave $1,000+ in 2025

• Lapsed donors who once gave significantly

Wealth screening reveals capacity indicators you might otherwise miss, helping you focus cultivation where it is most likely to yield transformational gifts.

Moving from Planning to Action

Organizations that start 2026 strong don’t just set goals — they build systems that produce results.

By combining donor-centered stewardship with strategic prospect development, you create a fundraising operation that is both sustainable and scalable.

The question is not whether you can afford to invest in these tools and strategies.

The real question is whether you can afford not to.

The Heart of Giving: A GivingTuesday Guide by Mission Matters Partners

As the holiday shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday winds down, a different movement begins—one focused not on getting, but on giving. Welcome to GivingTuesday, a global celebration of generosity that transforms communities and lives.

The Story Behind GivingTuesday

In 2012, a simple yet powerful idea emerged at New York’s 92nd Street Y, where Henry Timms and the United Nations Foundation envisioned a day to counter consumer culture and refocus people’s energy on helping others. What started as a modest campaign has grown into a worldwide phenomenon spanning 75 countries.

The concept was straightforward: create a day dedicated to giving back, positioned on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This timing was intentional, offering people a chance to balance the shopping-focused weekend with acts of generosity and community support.

Over the years, GivingTuesday has evolved far beyond its New York origins. The movement became an independent organization in 2019, and its impact has been staggering. In 2020, an estimated 34.8 million people participated, contributing $2.47 billion in the United States alone. The movement has proven especially resilient during challenging times—when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, organizers created an additional "GivingTuesday Now" in May, which raised over $500 million. By 2024, the movement reached new heights with a record $3.6 billion given in a single day.

Why GivingTuesday Matters

GivingTuesday represents something deeper than a single day of donations. The movement promotes generosity as an expression of solidarity and shared humanity rather than simple charity. It's about recognizing our interconnectedness and the power we have to transform communities together.

For organizations like Mission Matters, GivingTuesday offers a unique opportunity to engage partners, highlight impact, and introduce new supporters to missions we care about. It's a day when the spotlight shines on missions that matter, when social media buzzes with stories of compassion, and when individuals feel empowered to make a difference.

Choosing Where to Give: Making Your Impact Count

With thousands of organizations participating in GivingTuesday, how do you decide where to direct your generosity? Here are some thoughtful guidelines to help you make choices that align with your values and maximize your impact:

Connect with Your Passion

Start by identifying causes that resonate personally with you. Whether it's education, senior healthcare, environmental conservation, healthcare access, or community development, giving is most meaningful when it reflects your genuine interests and concerns. Ask yourself: What issues keep me up at night? What kind of world do I want to help create? Also research what your community needs most right now - with the government cuts - what do you see as critical?

Look for Transparency and Accountability

Strong organizations are open about their work, finances, and impact. Look for nonprofits that clearly communicate how donations are used, share their financial statements publicly, and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Resources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance can help you assess an organization's financial health and transparency.

Consider Local and Community Impact

While global causes are important, don't overlook organizations making a difference in your own community. Local nonprofits often need support just as much as larger organizations and can create immediate, visible change in your neighborhood.

Evaluate Long-term Sustainability

The best organizations don't just address immediate needs—they work toward lasting solutions. Look for groups that combine direct service with advocacy, education, and systemic change efforts.

Ask About Innovation and Adaptation

In our rapidly changing world, effective organizations stay nimble and responsive. Consider supporting nonprofits that demonstrate creativity in their approaches, embrace technology and new methods, and learn from both successes and setbacks.

Check for Collaboration

No single organization can solve complex social problems alone. Value nonprofits that partner with other groups, listen to the communities they serve, and build coalitions for greater impact.

Your Role in the Movement

GivingTuesday isn't just about writing a check—though donations are certainly valuable. The day also celebrates volunteering time, sharing skills, donating goods, and spreading awareness about causes you care about. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, contributes to the larger wave of giving.

For Mission Matters partners, this is your invitation to be part of something bigger. Your participation helps create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond a single day, strengthening communities and building a more compassionate world.

As you prepare for GivingTuesday, remember: generosity isn't just about what you give, but about who you become in the giving. It's an opportunity to live out your values, connect with others who share your commitment to making a difference, and be part of a global movement toward a better tomorrow.

Ready to make your impact this GivingTuesday? Join us in creating change that matters. Together, we can build a legacy of generosity that transforms lives and strengthens our shared future.

10 Year-End Giving Tips to Help You Finish Strong

Year-end is the most critical fundraising period for nonprofits—December alone can account for nearly 30% of annual giving. With so much support concentrated in the final weeks of the year, the trust and care you’ve invested in your donors throughout the year becomes the foundation for a strong finish.

A strong year-end campaign isn’t just about raising dollars. It’s about deepening relationships, celebrating impact, and setting your organization up for a confident start to the new year.

Here are high-impact ways to maximize your year-end giving strategy:

1. Start With Smart Donor Segmentation

Before you hit “send,” take time to segment your donor list. Prioritize donors by:

• Current donors who haven’t given yet this year

• Lapsed donors

• Total giving amount

• Giving capacity

• Years of giving or loyalty

Once your segments are clear, tailor your outreach—emails, letters, phone calls, and personal notes—to meet each group where they are. Donors give for different reasons, and personalization always increases response.

2. Lead With One Clear Priority

At year-end, clarity wins. Highlight one or two urgent funding priorities—program growth, capital needs, or initiatives that must launch in the new year.

Donors respond when they understand:

• Why this matters

• Why now

• What their gift will accomplish

If you’re participating in Giving Tuesday, treat it as the kickoff to your December campaign rather than a one-day push. Use it to build momentum and invite donors into a meaningful final-month finish.

3. Use a Matching Gift to Build Urgency

Matching gifts are one of the most effective year-end tools. Whether your match is from a major donor, board member, or corporate partner, donors love knowing their gift will go further.

Be clear and direct:
“Every gift this week will be doubled—up to $50,000—to help us finish the year strong.”

Share progress updates, remind donors of deadlines, and celebrate milestones as you go.

4. Pair Direct Mail With Digital Touchpoints

Direct mail still performs incredibly well—especially when the storytelling feels personal.

Strengthen your letter by:

• Featuring a first-person story from a beneficiary, volunteer, or family

• Including a short “impact snapshot”

• Adding handwritten notes from board members to top donors

Then create a multi-channel experience: send an email teaser before the letter arrives and a follow-up afterward. The combination keeps your message top of mind in a busy season.

5. Make Personal Outreach Count

This is the moment to elevate stewardship. A quick phone call or heartfelt message builds trust and deepens connection.

Use personal outreach to:

• Thank donors for past support

• Share a quick update

• Invite them to help cross the year-end finish line

Small touches go a long way: a thank-you video, a digital wall of gratitude, a holiday email from your team, or short notes from program staff.

6. Highlight Tax-Smart Giving Options

December is when donors review their finances and make strategic decisions. A gentle reminder goes a long way.

Make it easy for supporters to give through:

• Donor-advised funds (DAFs)

• Gifts of stock

• IRA qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)

• Corporate matching gifts

Post a clear “Ways to Give” section on your website and send a mid-December reminder so donors have time to process gifts with their financial institutions.

7. Invite Donors Into Leadership Circles or Societies

If you have a giving circle or leadership society, year-end is an ideal time to grow it. Consider offering:

• A December-only membership level

• Exclusive quarterly briefings

• Early access to new initiatives

• Special recognition for members who join before December 31

Leadership programs deepen commitment and encourage donors to stretch their giving.

8. Make Giving Effortless on Your Website

Your donation page should be fast, clear, and mobile-friendly. A streamlined donor experience leads to more completed gifts—especially during the final days of the year.

A strong year-end donation page includes:

• A clean design with minimal clicks

• Monthly giving options

• Easy instructions for stock, DAF, and IRA gifts

• Clear impact language: “Your gift today helps us start the new year strong.”

Technology should make giving simple and intuitive from any device.

9. Keep Donors Updated Through the Final Week

In the last days of December, simple updates can spark last-minute gifts. Short-staffed? Schedule emails in advance so your momentum carries through December 31.

Try:

• A “We’re close to our goal” email

• A progress graphic or thermometer

• A reminder about tax-deductible deadlines

• A short video from leadership thanking donors and inviting one final push

Timely updates make donors feel part of the momentum.

10. Practice Gratitude

At the end of the day, gratitude drives generosity. No matter how busy the season gets, make space for meaningful stewardship.

Ways to show appreciation:

• Send thank-you emails within 24 hours

• Follow up in January with a “What You Made Possible” impact summary

• Have staff and board members make thank-you calls

• Share short stories about how donor support made a difference this year

A culture of gratitude builds loyalty and sets the tone for a strong year ahead.

Year-end giving is a powerful moment to connect, inspire, and invite donors into your mission. When your strategy is clear, personal, and grounded in gratitude, you don’t just end the year strong—you begin the next one with momentum.

Season of Giving — Gratitude Tips for Fundraisers

The season of giving has always been my favorite time of year because it brings me back to the part of fundraising I love most: saying thank you. 

Fundraising requires you to find a hundred different ways to express gratitude. It's part creativity, part relationship-building, and—for me—one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Thoughtful gestures, noticing the details, and acknowledging generosity in ways that feel real and personal… that's what strengthens donor relationships over time.

Why Gratitude Matters

Saying thank you isn't a formality in development—it's the core of donor stewardship and cultivation. Genuine gratitude builds trust. It turns a one-time donor into a returning one, and a returning donor into someone who starts advocating for your mission.

A generic acknowledgment letter is fine for the IRS. It's not great for building relationships. A big part of cultivation and stewardship is found in the personal touchpoints: the unexpected call, the handwritten note, the thoughtful follow-up after a meeting.

The Power of the Phone Call

One of the simplest tools we have—and still the most effective—is the phone. A quick "thank you, no ask" call can change the entire tone of a donor relationship. Even a short voicemail goes a long way.

When I'm stuck or unsure of the next step, I start calling. It grounds me and reconnects me to the heart of the work.

Most development teams don't have the capacity to make as many calls as they'd like, and this is where your board becomes essential. Ask board members to make thank-you calls (provide talking points if needed). Donors love hearing directly from leadership, and board members can share firsthand why they serve and support your mission.

Handwritten Notes Still Matter

Handwritten notes stand out because they're rare.

My approach is simple:

Be prepared. I keep blank off-white note cards and custom stationery within reach so I can write a note right after a meeting while it's fresh.

Thank people after every meaningful interaction. Meetings, lunches, events—any time someone gives you their time or insight.

Invest in good stationery. Small businesses are great for this. My local favorite is Scriptura in New Orleans. If I want something extra polished, I love Création de Paris and G. Lalo —classic and simple.

Holiday Card Tips for the Season of Giving

Holiday cards are one of the easiest and most meaningful touchpoints you can make this time of year. Send them to your top donors and prospects. For an added touch, purchase cards from local artists, small businesses, or cultural institutions rather than generic retailers.

A few of my go-tos:

• Itsy Belle Studio holiday cards

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art

• The Historic New Orleans Collection

• MoMA Design Store

My system: I order cards six weeks ahead, run a donor/prospect list with addresses, and then break the writing into small daily goals—5 per week or 2 per day. Slow and steady gets them out the door by early December.

On greetings: I usually choose "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," or "Happy New Year" unless I'm certain about someone's religious beliefs. "Happy Holidays" is the safest and still feels warm and genuine.

A Simple Thank-You Rule

If someone gives you a gift in person, your sincere thanks in the moment is enough. If the gift is mailed or dropped off when you're not there, send a handwritten note. It's that simple.

Build Gratitude Into Your Year, Not Just December

Gratitude isn't a seasonal campaign—it's a mindset. When donors feel valued for more than their financial support, they stay with you through the long term, including the tough years.

The Beginning of Mission Matters Partners — Independence and Freedom

Building independence and resilience—one mission at a time

Mission Matters Partners was born from my desire for independence and freedom—and from the belief that nonprofits deserve the same. With the right plan, intention, and tools, organizations of any size can make a difference and strengthen the communities they serve. Through MMP, I’ve had the privilege of combining purpose, creativity, and independence to make my vision a reality.

Independence and freedom are at the heart of why I started MMP. I’ve seen how nonprofits sustain communities when systems fail—how they continue providing education, healthcare, food, the arts, and culture when government support falls short. The government doesn’t fund everything, and when it can’t, nonprofits do. I wanted to help more organizations strengthen their financial security, build multiple and reliable revenue streams, and create endowments so they can remain independent, resilient, and ready—no matter what happens.

I’ve also seen major disparities between nonprofit leadership and frontline staff—those doing essential work but often earning too little to support their own families. My goal is to help organizations raise funds efficiently so they can treat their staff with the same care and respect they show their donors. It starts with efficient fundraising systems, clear processes, realistic goals, and sustainable strategies.

Throughout my career in fundraising, I’ve worked alongside organizations doing remarkable work—with small teams, lean budgets, and unwavering commitment. Time and again, I’ve seen how much heart goes into their missions, and how often they just need the right fundraising plan, structure, and guidance. That realization became the foundation of Mission Matters.

My family taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and persistence. But I discovered the power of purpose through volunteering and my service in AmeriCorps, which opened the door to a master’s degree and a career in development. Nonprofits have the freedom to step in where others cannot—to care for communities, protect what matters, and lift people up when they need it most. That freedom is what drives me.

Mission Matters was founded on a simple conviction: every mission—no matter its size—matters. It’s my way of transforming gratitude into action and experience into impact. Whether I’m helping an organization prepare for a capital campaign, strengthen donor relationships, or reimagine how it tells its story, my goal is the same—to make their vision achievable and their work sustainable.

To bring this vision to life, MMP exists to help those who need it most—the underserved, especially seniors, women, children, and young adults—ensuring that access to food, education, healthcare, and culture isn’t a privilege, but a right.

As I begin this blog series, I’ll be sharing lessons from the field—stories, strategies, and reflections from years of working alongside talented, smart, and dedicated people building something that matters. My hope is that it inspires and equips others to do the same: to approach fundraising with clarity, creativity, and heart.