The
Year-End Fundraising Boost
Workshops 2025 Schedule
Doing Year-End Fundraising Differently: What’s Changed. What’s Working. What’s Next - Blake Arata, Community Boost
This opening session sets the stage for what’s ahead by unpacking the major shifts nonprofit teams need to know right now—from donor expectations and AI adoption to economic headwinds and digital engagement trends.
We’ll highlight five key mindset, technology, and behavior shifts your team must embrace to stand out this giving season—so you can raise more with less stress.
Expect a fast-paced, no-fluff breakdown of:
- What’s changed in donor behavior (and how to adapt)
- What strategies and tools are actually working in 2025
- What’s next—and how small teams can stay ahead of the curve
Let’s rethink what’s possible and kick off this day of learning with insight, energy, and action.
The Year-End Fundraising Playbook: How To Plan, Launch, and Win Your Biggest Campaign Yet - Stephanie Barnhill // Givebutter
Whether you're a team of one juggling it all or part of a small-but-mighty crew, you deserve a clear, doable plan that works for you, not the other way around.
In this friendly, action-packed session, we’ll guide you through a year-end campaign playbook designed to help you rally your community, tell your story, and reach your goals. From timelines and messaging to built-in Givebutter tools that save time and make your campaign shine, we’ve got your back.
You're doing incredible work. Let us help make year-end fundraising just a little bit easier.
Key takeaways:
- How to build a campaign timeline that keeps you on track (and leaves room for real life)
- Tips to craft a message that moves your supporters to give
- Fundraising tools and templates to save time, reduce stress, and raise more with Givebutter
Year-End Shifts in Action: Real Strategies from Real Nonprofits - Chloe O’Rourke // Community Boost
It’s one thing to talk about what’s changing—it's another to see how real nonprofits are navigating it in real time.
In this candid panel, we’re sitting down with several of our most engaged Community Boost Accelerator members to talk about what they’re planning (and rethinking) for year-end 2025. No fluff—just real talk about the strategies they’re prioritizing, the tools they’re betting on, and how they’re adjusting to this year’s unique climate.
We’ll cover:
- How they’re targeting donors differently this year
- Their Google Ad Grant and paid media strategies for Q4
- How AI tools are influencing messaging and content
- What channels they’re investing in—and what they’re letting go
If you’ve ever wondered “What are other nonprofits actually doing right now?”—this is your session. Get inspired by your peers and walk away with actionable ideas you can adapt and apply.
Thank, Connect, Sustain: Building Year-End Giving into Year-Round Relationships - Bridgette Bitzegaio // DonorDock
How do you turn a year-end donation into a year-round relationship? We break down the donor stewardship loop and show how intentional communication before and after year-end can lead to more loyal supporters and stronger fundraising results.
We’ll walk through practical stewardship touchpoints, donor thank-you strategies that go beyond the generic, and ways to stay connected after the calendar flips to January.
Whether you’re looking to boost retention or build a stronger donor community, this session gives you the tools to sustain loyal donors.
Fueling Impact: Campaign Strategies that Cut Through the Noise - Megan Waters // Public Interest Registry
In a crowded nonprofit space, standing out takes more than a good cause. This session looks at how teams of all sizes are building strong campaigns by staying focused, thinking creatively, and making the most of what they have.
Two .ORG Impact Awards finalists will share how they have connected with supporters, grown their reach, and raised funds during the year-end giving period, while staying true to their mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Real-world examples of how small teams built successful year-end fundraising campaigns
- Creative strategies to engage supporters and grow visibility with limited resources
- Insights on staying mission-focused while adapting to the fast-changing year-end giving landscape
The New Frontier for End-of-Year Fundraising: Online Giving via Crypto, Stocks & Donor-Advised Funds - Emily Fascilla // The Giving Block
In today’s rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape, fundraisers must think beyond cash to stay competitive and mission-aligned. With crypto markets surging, there's no better time to tap into one of the fastest-growing—and time-sensitive—giving opportunities.
This workshop will demystify the fastest-growing online giving vehicles—crypto, stocks, and donor-advised funds—and show you how to tap into a new generation of tax-savvy, impact-driven donors. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, this session will equip you with the tools and language to fundraise smarter, not harder.
Key Takeaway #1
Clarity on Tax-Smart Giving:
Understand how crypto, stocks, and DAFs offer significant tax advantages for donors—and how to position your nonprofit to receive and promote these gifts with confidence.
Key Takeaway #2
Donor Demographics & Messaging That Converts:
Discover who is giving through these assets (hint: it’s not just tech bros) and the proven language and platforms that resonate with modern donors.
Key Takeaway #3
Strategies to Attract Millennial Wealth:
Learn how to connect with millennials—one of the largest generations inheriting and generating wealth—through digital tools, values-based messaging, and frictionless donation experiences.
Key Takeaway #4
Timing Matters: 2025 is Primed for Crypto Fundraising
Understand why the 2025 crypto market is different and the best time to accept crypto donations—when donors are experiencing significant gains and are most motivated to give. Learn how to seize this window of generosity and turn market momentum into mission-driven support.
The Art of the Thank-You Campaign: Pre-Wiring & Retargeting for Year-End Success - Brianna Ruloma, Community Boost
Your best year-end donors aren’t just the ones you acquire—they’re the ones who feel seen, valued, and inspired to give again.
In this tactical session, we’re diving into the underrated power of a thank-you campaign—how to use it not just as a follow-up, but as a strategic lever to pre-wire donors for your next ask and build momentum across Q4.
We’ll cover:
- How to build a thank-you campaign that deepens emotional connection (and doesn't feel automated)
- Timing and messaging to pre-wire supporters before Giving Tuesday and December appeals
- Retargeting strategies to stay top-of-mind with donors and warm audiences
- Tools and creative examples to help your message break through the noise
If you want to raise more, you need more than just great asks—you need gratitude that converts.
Leading with Confidence: How to Coach Your Nonprofit Team to Year-End Success - Julia Gackenbach // DonorPerfect
This year has been full of uncertainty—funding cuts, new regulations, and stretched resources—and now you’re heading into the most critical fundraising season of the year. As a nonprofit leader, your job is to set the tone, shape the vision, and lead your team across the finish line with confidence. Instead of another tactical year-end checklist, this session is your leadership playbook.
In this fast-paced presentation, join Julia Gackenbach, DonorPerfect Nonprofit Advocate, to talk about setting ambitious goals, activating your team, and avoiding burnout. You’ll learn how to energize every player on your team, make smarter decisions through data, and create the kind of alignment that inspires high impact.
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth year-end campaign, you'll walk away with a clear action plan to motivate your team, achieve measurable results, and finish the year strong.
Key takeaways:
- Learn how to activate your team, board, and volunteers with a focused plan to prioritize outcomes, play to their strengths, and prevent overwhelm.
- Identify critical aspects of data maintenance that have held your team back in the past campaigns, but will propel them forward in the new year.
- Discover how to aim for impact instead of dollars by creating customized reports that highlight retention indicators and untapped opportunities.
TBA
TBA
You’ve Got This: Fueling Your Year-End Momentum - Ernad Civic // Community Boost
You’ve soaked in a full day of insights, tools, and fresh strategies to reimagine your year-end fundraising—and now, it’s time to bring it all together.
In this final session, we’ll help you take everything you’ve learned and build a customized year-end game plan that fits your team’s size, goals, and capacity.
Think of it as your final boost: a synthesis of the day’s best ideas with clear guidance on what to prioritize, what to test, and how to take action in the weeks ahead.
We’ll cover:
- A recap of the biggest takeaways from each workshop
- A flexible roadmap to structure your campaign timeline and touchpoints
- Quick-win strategies vs. high-impact plays—so you can focus where it counts
- The confidence boost you need to hit “go” on your most successful year-end yet
Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your plans, this wrap-up will give you the clarity, motivation, and momentum to move forward with purpose.
You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.