May is not usually treated as a major fundraising month.
There is no built-in urgency like year-end, and it does not carry the same campaign weight as the fall. Because of that, many organizations ease off communication or shift focus internally.
That is exactly why it is such a valuable opportunity.
May sits in a unique position in the calendar. It comes after the early-year slowdown and just before summer routines begin to disrupt engagement. Donors are still paying attention, but they are not being overwhelmed by appeals.
Used well, it becomes one of the most effective moments to reconnect, rebuild momentum, and strengthen relationships before attention drops off.
It Is the Last Strong Window Before Summer
Once summer begins, engagement changes.
People travel more, routines shift, and communication becomes easier to ignore. That does not mean donors stop caring, but it does mean they are less responsive.
May is your opportunity to reach people before that shift happens.
Rather than trying to compete for attention in July or August, you can use May to reconnect while your audience is still present and receptive.
What this can look like:
- Send a mid-year check-in email that reflects on the year so far
- Share a short story or update that reminds donors why they supported you
- Reintroduce your work to donors who have not engaged since year-end
This is not about launching a full campaign. It is about staying visible and relevant.
It Is a Natural Moment to Rebuild Momentum
After year-end campaigns and early spring initiatives, many organizations experience a quieter period. Communication slows down, and donor engagement can begin to drift.
May gives you a chance to reset that.
It is an ideal time to reconnect with donors who have not engaged recently and bring them back into your work before the next major campaign cycle begins.
A simple timeline to follow:
Week 1–2 (early May):
Focus on gratitude and recognition. Send a thank-you message or highlight donor impact from earlier in the year.
Week 3 (mid-May):
Share a story or program update that reflects current work. Keep it grounded and specific.
Week 4 (late May):
Introduce a light invitation to stay involved, whether that is volunteering, attending an event, or making a gift.
This creates a natural progression without overwhelming your audience.
Engagement Is Easier This Time of Year
Spring changes how people engage.
Warmer weather brings more opportunities for in-person interaction, and people are generally more open to participating in events or community activities.
This makes May one of the best months to move beyond digital communication and create a real connection.
Tangible ideas to consider:
- Host a small appreciation event for donors or volunteers
- Organize a walk, community gathering, or open house
- Invite supporters to see your work in action
These do not need to be large-scale events. Even simple, well-planned moments can strengthen connections in a way that emails alone cannot.
It Is a Strong Time for Strategic Donor Conversations
May is also a practical moment for more intentional donor outreach.
Many donors are starting to think about their giving for the rest of the year, whether consciously or not. This is especially true for mid-level and major donors.
For those using Donor-Advised Funds, early summer is often when grants are considered, which makes May an ideal time to reconnect and stay top of mind.
What this can look like:
- Schedule 1:1 check-ins with key supporters
- Share a short update on priorities for the coming months
- Invite donors into upcoming plans or initiatives
These conversations are not about making a direct ask. They are about staying present and building alignment.
It Is the Perfect Time to Show Impact
One of the most effective ways to re-engage donors is to show them what their support has already made possible.
By May, you have enough distance from year-end giving to start sharing meaningful updates. This is where many organizations miss an opportunity by moving too quickly into the next ask.
Instead, May allows you to focus on impact.
Practical ways to do this:
- Send a short “Here’s what you made possible” email
- Share one clear story that reflects donor impact
- Use simple visuals or photos to bring the message to life
This approach builds trust and reinforces the value of giving without adding pressure.
Focus on Reconnection, Not Just Solicitation
The most important shift in May is intention.
This is not primarily a fundraising month. It is a relationship-building month.
When communication is focused only on asking, it becomes easy for donors to disengage. When it is focused on reconnecting, informing, and showing impact, it strengthens the foundation for future campaigns.
Personalization plays an important role here. A simple, thoughtful message that reflects a donor’s past support will always be more effective than a broad, generic update.
Bringing It Together
May works because it is not crowded.
It gives you space to reconnect with your donors in a way that feels intentional, relevant, and timely. When used well, it helps maintain momentum, strengthen trust, and prepare your audience for what comes next.
Organizations that stay present during this period are far better positioned when larger campaigns begin later in the year.
Planning Your Donor Engagement Strategy
Moments like May are easy to overlook, but they are often where the most meaningful connections happen.
At Anchor Marketing, we help nonprofits identify these opportunities and build communication strategies that feel consistent and well-timed throughout the year.
If you are looking to strengthen how you engage your donors beyond major campaigns, get in touch with our team.