As the year winds down, you probably feel the rush to move on from your year-end campaign and dive into the new year. But before you close the books, take a moment to make sure everything is properly wrapped up. How you end your campaign is just as important as how you start it — and it can set the tone for your future fundraising success.

To help you stay on track, I’ve outlined seven essential steps to wrap up your year-end campaign. These steps will ensure your donors feel appreciated, your team is celebrated, and your insights are captured for next year.

1. Double-Check Your Donor Relations: Every donor deserves a thank-you, no matter the size of their gift. Ensure all donors who gave in December or on Giving Tuesday (if you participated) receive a personalized thank-you note — emails and letters for all gifts and calls for major contributions.

2. Recognize Key Supporters: Go the extra mile for your major donors and match gift contributors. This recognition could include a phone call from your Executive Director or a thoughtful but inexpensive mission-related gift. These small gestures build lasting relationships.

3. Record Campaign Data: Capture all the key metrics from your campaign — How many appeals were sent? What were the email open and click-through rates? When were most gifts received? Documenting these details now will save you time and provide valuable insights when planning your next campaign.

4. Host a Campaign Debrief: Gather your team for a candid debrief. What worked? What didn’t? Review your KPIs and analytics, and ask for feedback from everyone involved, including donors and volunteers. Use this information to refine your strategies for next year.

5. Report Back to Donors: By mid-to-late January, send a brief impact report to your donors. Share how much was raised, thank them again, and highlight specific ways their support is already making a difference. This feedback keeps donors engaged and reinforces the value of their gifts.

6. Thank Your Team: Your staff, board members, and volunteers put in the work — don’t forget to acknowledge their contributions! Host a small get-together or send a thoughtful note to express your appreciation.

7. Plan Your Next Steps: As you wrap up, use the momentum to start thinking about your fundraising strategy for 2025. Make a note of lessons learned, and set clear goals for what’s next.

Want a simple way to stay organized and on track to complete these steps? Download my free checklist for easy reference:

👉 Grab Your Year-End Wrap-Up Checklist Here

Remember, taking the time to close out your campaign properly will pay off in donor loyalty, team morale, and a stronger start to the new year, so make some time on your calendar in early January to check off that list!

Need Some Help? Let’s Chat!

If the thought of wrapping up your year-end campaign or planning for next year feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whether you’re looking for support with donor relations, strategy, campaign planning, or just need a partner to streamline all those moving pieces, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Book a free call, and let’s talk about where you’re feeling stuck, what your goals are, and how we can get you moving forward with confidence. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for your organization and your resources.

👉 Schedule Your Free Call Here

You’ve got this — and I’m here to make sure you don’t have to go it alone. Let’s get to work!