NOVEMBER FUNDRAISING CHECKLIST: Creating a Year-End Appeal

It’s that time, again— making your year-end appeal. Whether it's your first year fundraising or you’re a seasoned missionary, this task can feel daunting. Use this checklist to help you curate the best year end appeal you've done so far!

✔️ Identify Impact

• What program, event, or resource do you (plan to) provide that could use additional funding?

• What difference will this make in someone’s life?

• REMEMBER: You are not the impact. Any deficit you may have should not be the focus.

✔️ Set a Financial Goal

• Include the total cost of impact in your budget, including payment for your time.

• Consider the capacity of your network.

✔️ Create a 3 to 5 Touch Strategy

• Warm-up: Thank your contacts for their involvement and tell them what the ministry does and what we’ve accomplished together so far.

• Strong Ask: Provide a specific amount when possible and specify a deadline.

• Reminder #1: Remind them of the financial goal and the impact.

• Reminder #2: Send a text or leave a voicemail in the last 3 days of the year. 

✔️ Segment Your List

• High Capacity Partners: Consider $1,000+ and receive the most customized communication

• Mid-Level Partners: Consider $200 to $500 and receive less customized communication

• Base Level Partners: Consider less than $200 and receive personalized but not customized communication

✔️ Which Channel Will You Use for Each Touch?

• Direct Mail

• Email

• Text Message

• Social Media

✔️ Create a Timeline

• When do you want your contacts to receive each communication?

• How much time is between now and then?

• When can you set aside time each week to implement your plan?

• Who do you need input from? How long will it take?

Feeling equipped? Now, all you have to do is start!

Check out our recent webinar recording here for even more on this topic.