Both Christmas and Hanukkah are global times of celebration and gift giving. Whether you are a nonprofit – or a nonprofit supporter – now is the time to finalize your giving plans.
Nearly one third (31%) of annual giving occurs during the last month of the year. Both nonprofits and donors are engaged in this circle of giving. Gifts demonstrate love, affection, commitment, support, shared values, and joy. They are the light we share with each other and the world. Whether it is lighting a menorah or decorating a Christmas tree many people experience the last days of the year as a time of reflection, celebration, and hope.
If you are a nonprofit, now is the time to encourage giving to your organization. Your creativity can help everyone feel part of your work. You can offer one-time holiday gifts, as well as gifts that continue throughout the year. One example is the Tzedakah Circle promoted by American Jewish World Service (AJWS) on their website. Their call to action is clear: “Join the Tzedakah Circle – you’ll put your values into action every month – plus your first six gifts will be doubled! Give Monthly.” They are promoting this on their website. When you click through to their giving page they share more: “The most effective way to sustain the work of grassroots activists working to repair our world is by setting up a monthly gift through AJWS’s Tzedakah Circle. You’ll know that every month, your values are automatically going into action to advance justice and human rights. Be one of the first 180 new founding members of the Tzedakah Circle and a generous matching donor will DOUBLE your first six months of giving.”
At Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) you can make a gift and have a holiday card sent to people on your holiday list. Here is their call to action: “Honor friends, family, and colleagues with a seasonal gift that will have year-round impact. You’ll help vulnerable seniors and families in crisis remain independent and in their homes. For a minimum donation of $10 per card, send us your list of those you wish to honor, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our volunteers will handwrite your name, address each card, and mail them for you.” The image on the 2022 card is a drawing made by a first grader named Aalam. His was the award-winning submission. MIFA builds community by sharing all the submitted artwork on their website. And they let people know how their gift will be used: “This gift connects seniors with meals and families with housing through MIFA’s essential programs.” 
If you are a nonprofit, think about inclusive giving opportunities such as those of AJWS and MIFA. Look to create excitement and participation – you want donors at all levels to feel welcome and appreciated. A successful holiday giving program can help grow your donor base, reduce donor attrition, and encourage donors to increase their gift. As donors we can connect with our values and give in a way that brings those values to life.
Copyright 2022 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw – Comprehensive Fund Development Services. Let us help you plan for 2022! Video and phone conferencing services are always available. Call us at (901) 522-8727. www.saadandshaw.com
