In 2026, fundraising isn’t just about one big push. The most successful nonprofits treat it as a steady, year-round effort with a plan to keep donors engaged, campaigns organized, and goals on track.
If you’re starting to think about 2026 planning, now’s the time to build a calendar that supports your mission all year long.
1. Start by looking back, then set your goals
A strong fundraising calendar starts with reflection. Take a few minutes to look back on this past year. Grab a pen and paper and consider how your fundraising performed.
- What worked this past year?
- Where did you fall short?
- Did any campaigns raise more than expected?
- Were there times you felt unprepared or rushed?
- Which channels brought in the most support?
Use those insights to shape your goals for 2026. In the year ahead, you might aim to increase donor retention, test new channels, or space out campaigns for more breathing room. Setting clear, measurable goals will help you plan with purpose.
2. Don’t just plan for the big moments
Many nonprofits focus on just a few peak seasons, like GivingTuesday or a spring gala. These moments matter, but a year-round fundraising strategy gives your organization more stability and room to grow.
Here’s why it’s worth planning ahead:
- It spreads out your requests so supporters don’t feel overwhelmed.
- It gives your team time to promote each campaign more effectively.
- It creates consistent engagement, even between major events.
When you approach the year as a whole, you can build stronger connections with donors and reduce the last-minute stress that comes with scrambling for funds.
3. Break the year into manageable phases
Rather than planning everything at once, try dividing your nonprofit fundraising calendar into quarterly focus areas. This helps you stay organized while maintaining momentum and knowing where to allocate resources.
Here’s one way to break your year into manageable phases:
|
Timeframe |
Fundraising focus |
|
January – March |
Annual appeal, grant deadlines, content planning |
|
April – June |
Spring event, peer-to-peer outreach, school-year partnerships |
|
July – August |
Light-touch campaigns, donor stewardship, mid-year check-in |
|
September – November |
Fall gala, major gifts, corporate sponsorship outreach, GivingTuesday |
|
December |
Year-end giving, tax-driven donations |
For each quarter, choose one or two campaign priorities and build around those. Keep it realistic based on your budget and team’s capacity.
4. Mix seasonal campaigns with evergreen activity
Not every fundraising effort needs a deadline. In fact, one of the best ways to keep donors engaged is by offering ongoing ways to give. Monthly giving options, donor updates, and always-on donation links can all help maintain momentum between major campaigns. This also creates opportunities for donors who want to support your mission but may not be able to give large gifts at once.
5. Give yourself enough time to prepare
If you’ve ever tried to plan a fundraiser in a rush, you know how quickly details can get overwhelming. Use your calendar to build in enough lead time for each campaign or event.
Here’s a general timeline to work from.
- Plan large events at least four to six months ahead.
- Start promoting seasonal giving campaigns at least six weeks out.
- Build in time to prep your materials, segment donor lists, and line up volunteers or partners.
Working backwards from each campaign date can help you stay on track and avoid the pressure of last-minute tasks.
Your 2026 fundraising calendar checklist
Use this checklist before locking in your fundraising calendar. It’s a simple way to confirm that your goals, campaigns, and systems are aligned and that you’re set up for a confident start to the year.
- Are your fundraising goals clear and tied to your mission?
- Have you spaced out campaigns to avoid burnout and overlap?
- Do you have enough lead time to promote each initiative effectively?
- Does your calendar include both seasonal and year-round efforts?
- Will you review and adjust your plan at least once per quarter?
Your fundraising calendar should give your team clarity, create space for strategy, and keep momentum going all year long.
Build your nonprofit fundraising plan with a partner
Planning a fundraising calendar takes time, intention, and focus. When your timelines, campaigns, and financial tools work together, you can stay organized and make the most of every opportunity to connect with donors.
Have questions about nonprofit finances or operations? We’re here to help. SECU supports Maryland nonprofits with business banking solutions designed to keep you moving forward, so you can focus more on impact and less on logistics. And you can earn 2.00% APY* on your nonprofit checking balance. Contact us to get started.
*APY Annual Percentage Yield. Rate may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum deposit of $100 required to open an account. Rate effective 08/01/2025.
