Donor Love in the Slow Season: Why Summer Is Your Secret Weapon

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I say this every year — but it bears repeating: Summer is one of the best times to show your donors a little extra love.

For most nonprofits, the pace slows down in summer. The calendar is (relatively) clearer. And it’s the perfect window to connect with your supporters before your fall and year-end campaigns come rushing in.

Because here’s the thing: Fundraising isn’t just about making the ask. It’s about building the kind of relationship that makes people excited to say "yes" when the time comes.

Why summer is the perfect time to warm up your donor base:

☀️ The pace eases up — take advantage of it.

Without events and urgent appeals filling your calendar, summer gives you breathing room to focus on low-pressure outreach. Use this time to be intentional with your relationships and focus on the donors who’ve meant the most to your organization.

💛 Small touches = big impact. 

Donor relations doesn’t require a big budget or tons of time. Small, heartfelt gestures can leave a lasting impression. A handwritten note. A quick thank-you call. A “just because” email with a story and a photo. These simple actions remind donors that their support matters — even when you’re not asking for anything.

📈 A little effort now sets you up for much success later. 

The most successful fall and year-end campaigns? They don’t start in November. Or even September. They start now—with steady engagement, thoughtful touchpoints, and relationship-building that keeps your donors warm and ready when it’s time to give.

If you haven’t done any significant outreach since your 2024 year-end campaign, now’s the time. And no, you’re not “bothering” your donors by reaching out to say thank you. But you might make them question your relationship if the only time they hear from you is when you’re asking for money.

5 Easy Ways to Show Some Summer Donor Love:

1. Send a handwritten thank-you to a handful of donors from Q1 or Q2. Focus on first-time donors, long-time supporters, or those who gave during a key campaign —whatever makes sense for your organization. It doesn't have to be long, but it does need to be thoughtful.

   Bonus idea: If your organization serves people (seniors, teens, students), ask your clients to help write notes. A message from someone their gift impacted? Priceless.

2. Pick up the phone and make a call. Say something like, “I was thinking about you today and everything you've done for (insert mission here — homeless animals, seniors, abused children, etc.) — thank you.”

3. Share a behind-the-scenes photo or story in an email. One of my clients recently sent a quick video of their team holding armfuls of kittens, thanking donors for supporting their Kitten Shower and showing the lives they helped save. It was simple, authentic, and impactful.

4. Spotlight a donor on social media. This works especially well for local business supporters. You’re not just highlighting their generosity—you’re also showing the community how their company is making an impact.

5. Invite a donor to visit or tour your space. If you have a physical location, walk them through it. Share how your mission happens. Bonus points for coffee and conversation.

Other than postage and paper (and maybe that coffee!), none of these ideas cost more than your time. You don’t need a flashy plan. Just intentionality and heart.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start — or how to weave donor love into your strategy moving forward — I’d love to help. 🎉

And because giving is more fun than getting, in honor of my birthday this June, I’m offering a special opportunity → A Half-Day with The Maven strategy session for just $500! Together, we’ll review your current efforts, map out your next moves, and build a donor engagement and fundraising plan that works for your goals for the remainder of 2025.

🎁 Only 6 spots available, and they must be booked in June (sessions can be scheduled through July). Grab your spot here: https://nonprofitmaven.myflodesk.com/halfdaywithmaven

Here’s to showing your donors some summer love — and setting yourself up for a strong second half of the year. 💛