You’re in the thick of year-end campaign prep, right?

Emails, social, printed appeal letters… check. But the most important piece (that’s often forgotten)? You guessed it. It’s the pre-solicitation strategy, aka the warm-up.

Ideally regular donor updates, conversations, and engagement opportunities have been happening all year. But if not? You’re not alone. AND there’s still time.

Below are five ideas for (re)connecting with donors BEFORE the first appeal hits their mailboxes.

These are intended to work en masse for your full base of current supporters. But, if you have the capacity to do a little extra, I’ve included a ‘high touch’ option which can be used to increase connection with a specific segment of supporters (high level, long-time, etc.).

1. Host a mini-gathering.

On-site coffee hour where donors meet the team. Volunteer time slot saved just for donors. Virtual or in-person roundtable discussion. Behind the scenes tour.

Whatever you choose, the key is:

• Keep it simple (this is not the time for fancy or expensive);
• Make it meaningful (tie it to your mission or the team or both); and
• Be clear on why they are invited (because they are a donor!).

I guarantee that even if a donor doesn’t come, the invitation will be noticed and remembered.

High touch: Personally forward the e-invite or pick up the phone to encourage a donor to attend.

2. Turn up the storytelling.

Break up your monthly newsletter into smaller pieces and shift to sharing short-form content asap. Weekly emails with a photo and two paragraphs. A 30-second video clip of a "mission moment.” A staff member sharing why they do this work.

You don't need professional photography or videography, just a phone. Thankfully, underproduced content actually resonates more (just look at your social feed!).

Bite-sized. Authentic. Consistent.

High touch: If you share a specific story or article that you know will resonate with a donor, forward it along with a personal note “wanted to make sure you saw this!”.

3. Engage volunteers to make calls.

This one is powerful, and an easy way to stand out.

Recruit a handful of board members and volunteers for a session of thank you calls.

"Hi [Name], I'm calling on behalf of [Organization]. I'm a volunteer/board member, and I wanted to personally thank you for your support this year. Together we've been able to [specific impact]..."

Voicemail or live conversation, they’re both effective – AND an excellent way to engage board members in fundraising.

P.S. If you decide to host a mini-gathering (see #1), these calls are a great opportunity to extend a personal invitation.

4. Send a "We Did This Together" update.

Create a simple, visual impact report – not your annual report, something lighter. One page. Infographic-style. Pull-out quotes paired with photos and real numbers.

"With your support, here's what happened this year..."

High touch: Print a copy and send it in the mail with a handwritten sticky note on top.

Bonus: These one-pager style pieces are great to leave behind on donor visits or send as e-attachments to prospects (by staff or board).

5. Share the "State of the Organization".

A video message from your CEO or executive director. A live virtual gathering. A thoughtful email.

Share where things stand: what's working, what's challenging, what's coming next. Donors want to know!

When you do this, you're not just sharing information – you're reinforcing their partnership in the work.

High touch: Invite select donors for a one-on-one or small group meeting with the CEO or ED. Let them hear from them directly and ask the questions that are on their mind.

More good news? These strategies aren’t just for year end. You can use them all year long.

I’d love to know, have you used any of these and seen them work? Other ideas I missed?