Summer often brings long weekends, vacations, and a shift in routines, for both donors and nonprofits. As inboxes quiet down and attention turns to travel and sunshine, many organizations experience a predictable drop in giving.
But the summer slump doesn’t have to derail your momentum. With the right approach, this quieter season can become a valuable window to strengthen relationships, refine your strategy, and stay top of mind.
1. Stay Visible, Even When You’re Not Asking
If you pause communication entirely, donors may assume your work has paused too. Use the summer to show up in meaningful, non-transactional ways.
- Send a gratitude email with no ask, just thanks.
- Share a behind-the-scenes update or a personal note from a staff member.
- Post light, mission-aligned summer content on social.
2. Show Appreciation in Personal Ways
Take time to express thoughtful, one-on-one gratitude, especially to donors who have given consistently or at higher levels.
- Write handwritten thank-you cards or send a short personalized video message.
- Make check-in calls to long-time donors. Ask how they’re doing, not just how they can help.
- Add an impact story or quote to your donation receipts to reinforce why their support matters.
3. Tidy Up Your Data
Summer is a great time to work behind the scenes so you’re ready to move quickly in the fall.
- Clean and segment your donor database.
- Identify lapsed donors and prepare a re-engagement list.
- Review email performance and update your welcome series or donation page copy.
- Test your donation form, on mobile especially, to reduce friction and improve conversion.
4. Reach Out Personally
Use the quieter pace to build relationships without the pressure of a campaign.
- Schedule informal check-ins with key supporters or monthly donors.
- Host a virtual coffee chat with a board member and a program lead.
- Invite volunteers to a casual appreciation meet-up or community event.
5. Try a Creative Summer Campaign
If you’re fundraising, make it feel seasonal and simple.
- Run a short, themed campaign with a clear goal and timeline (e.g., “Sponsor 10 Meals in 10 Days”).
- Launch a matching gift challenge tied to a summer milestone.
- Partner with a local business to create a “give-back” promotion.
- Host a community picnic, family fun day, or volunteer cleanup to engage supporters in person.
6. Get Ahead of Fall Fundraising
The best year-end campaigns start months in advance. Use summer to prep without pressure.
- Finalize your Giving Tuesday and holiday messaging.
- Gather testimonials, photos, or impact stats from programs that wrapped earlier in the year.
- Confirm sponsors, partners, or matching donors well in advance.
The Quiet Season Can Be Your Strategic Advantage
Summer might be slower for fundraising—but it’s rich with opportunity. Donors are still paying attention. When you use this time to deepen relationships and plan intentionally, you set your organization up for stronger engagement and better results later in the year.
Ready to Master the Summer Slump?
Connect with Anchor to craft a tailored donor stewardship and summer campaign strategy. Schedule a free consultation today to ensure your nonprofit turns this season into a strategic win, not a pause.
