While many nonprofits hit pause during the summer, this "slow" season is actually a golden opportunity to deepen donor relationships. With less noise in their inboxes and mailboxes, a heartfelt thank-you call or a quick impact update can have surprising power. Read on to learn how to leverage the summer months to build loyalty, keep momentum, and set your organization up for a successful fall.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Reconnect with Donors
Summer might seem like a slow season for fundraising, but it’s actually a hidden opportunity. Many organizations scale back their outreach when school is out and donors are on vacation—but this is exactly when you can stand out. Fewer campaigns mean your message has more space to shine.
Take this time to reconnect with donors through personal, heartfelt phone calls. Share what your organization is doing over the summer, how their past gifts are making a difference, and let them know they’re appreciated. This type of contact strengthens relationships and often leads to spontaneous gifts or renewed interest.
One client saw a 25% reactivation rate just by reaching out with thank-you calls during July. Make this season work for your mission instead of waiting until fall.
How to Maintain Fundraising Momentum During Slower Months
Non-profits often brace for a summer slowdown, but this season can be a launchpad for stronger donor connections. While you may not be planning a major campaign, summer is the perfect time for light-touch stewardship—thank-you calls, impact updates, and even short surveys.
Keeping donors engaged now helps your fall campaigns perform better. Try segmenting your list and assigning a few dozen thank-you calls to volunteers, board members, or partner callers like our team. One meaningful connection now can result in a donor staying active through year-end.
Use this quiet window to build trust and stay top of mind—momentum doesn’t have to pause just because school’s out.
The Surprising Power of a Summer Thank-You Call
Summer is a great time to go beyond email. A thank-you phone call may only take a minute or two, but its impact lasts. One of the most memorable stewardship efforts is simply calling a donor with no agenda other than appreciation.
A donor from a recent campaign told us, “I’ve supported this organization for years and no one has ever called me just to say thanks. I’ll never forget this.”
That level of connection builds loyalty. It reinforces that your donors are partners in your mission, not just transaction points. You may even discover stories from donors that you can feature in newsletters or annual reports. Never underestimate the ripple effect of a thank-you.
Top 3 Ways to Keep Donors Engaged Over the Summer
Here are 3 effective ways to keep donors engaged over the summer:
- **Call your top donors with updates.** Share something new you’re working on and how their support helps.
- **Invite donors into a small summer campaign.** Whether it’s a match challenge or quick donor poll, participation keeps them invested.
- **Show appreciation without asking for a gift.** A card, email, or voicemail that simply says “thank you” builds stronger bonds.
Consistency, even during off months, can significantly improve year-end retention. Summer is not downtime—it’s donor relationship-building season.
