Being New at Year-End: How to Turn It into Your Fundraising Superpower
Getting hired as a fundraiser at year-end can feel like being tossed straight into the deep end. Budgets are closing, mailings are going out, appeals are landing in inboxes, and everyone’s talking about December 31. For many, that feels intimidating.
But here’s the truth: being new at year-end is your superpower. Why? Because you’ve been handed the perfect moment to introduce yourself, connect with donors, and set the tone for the relationships you’ll carry into the new year. You don’t need to worry about having all the answers or making a big ask right away. Instead, you can lean into gratitude, curiosity, and relationship-building.
Here’s how to use your superpower:
1. Thank every gift within 24 hours
Any donation that comes in connected to your portfolio? Pick up the phone, send a text, or write an email within 24 hours. You’re far more likely to connect with someone right after they’ve given, and it’s much easier to introduce yourself in the context of a thank you than during a cold call.
This is also the best time to ask thoughtful questions:
What inspires their support?
What do they hope to accomplish through their giving?
How do they prefer to hear from you — calls, texts, or email?
Let them know your role: to keep them updated on the impact of their support. Then follow up with an email including your name, role, and contact information so they know how to reach you. If you have a story that shows the impact of their giving, share it right then. Instantly, you’re showing the value you bring to the relationship.
2. Thank unassigned donors
If your caseload isn’t yet full, don’t wait around. Start by thanking unassigned donors who give in your giving range, or just below it. Apply the same principles: gratitude, curiosity, and connection. Consider adding them to your caseload. Every additional donor you thank is a potential relationship. And relationships equal revenue.
3. Send stewardship letters
One of our favorite tricks: re-use an ask letter as a stewardship piece. Year-end is the perfect time to send a letter that says, “I’m your new contact,” paired with a story of impact. No ask required. Include a business reply envelope (BRE) anyway – you might be surprised who gives again.
This way, you’re entering the relationship on a foundation of gratitude and impact, not pressure.
4. Combine email + calls for top donors
Skip the long wait for printed letters for your top donors. Send a quick email introduction as soon as you start, explaining who you are and your role. Follow up with phone calls and then send the stewardship letter outlined above. It’s a layered approach that ensures your new donors know you, trust you, and feel cared for right away.
Final Word: Don’t Fear Year-End, Leverage It
If you’re new, year-end doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it’s the best possible time to step into fundraising. Donors are giving, they’re engaged, and they’re eager to see the impact of their generosity.
Lean into your superpower: connect quickly, thank personally, and start building relationships that will carry you, and your donors, into the year ahead with trust and momentum.
Oh, and don’t forget to be planning for your year-in-review impact piece for February – you’re going to need that for all the donors you’ve just inherited!