Preparing for Giving Season

The busiest giving time rewards preparation. Here is how to be ready.

September 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Giving concentrates

A large share of donations often arrives in a short year end giving season. Being prepared for that concentration, rather than caught out by it, is what lets a nonprofit make the most of its most generous time.

Get your records ready

Giving season brings a surge of gifts to record and acknowledge. Having your donor records clean and your processes ready beforehand means you can keep up with the flood rather than falling behind on thanks and receipts.

Plan your acknowledgements

Donors who give during giving season deserve prompt thanks, at exactly the busiest time. Planning how you will acknowledge and receipt the surge, in advance, ensures no donor is left waiting.

Be ready to steward

Giving season is also a chance to begin lasting relationships with new donors. Being prepared to steward them well, from the first thank you, is what turns a seasonal gift into ongoing support through the year.

Key takeaways

Giving often concentrates in a short season
Get records and processes ready in advance
Plan prompt acknowledgements for the surge
Prepare to steward new donors into lasting supporters

Written by

Julien Jimenez

Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.