Giving Season (Oct - Dec) is the peak period for nonprofit donations. This is when our users are actively seeking nonprofits they care about, with a strong interest in finding specific fundraising opportunities to support. Companies are also looking to engage employees by promoting nonprofit projects and volunteer opportunities, especially as many have budgets that drive extra matching and seeding campaigns this time of year.
Watch the video below to learn how your nonprofit can prepare for Giving Season on the Benevity Causes Portal:
Preparing your nonprofit for a successful Giving Season
Here’s how you can gear up for Giving Season and make the most of Benevity’s features on the Benevity Causes Portal. The tips and strategies ahead are designed not just for this season but to help your nonprofit build lasting impact and set the stage for ongoing success.
Learn more in our guide: How to Connect with Donors & Volunteers Through the Benevity Causes Portal
Create projects to drive donations
Projects offer a powerful way to showcase your nonprofit's specific initiatives and attract donors who are eager to make a meaningful impact. By presenting a mix of short- and long-term goals, you broaden your appeal and foster sustained engagement. Here’s how to make your projects stand out:
- Short-term projects: Capture attention with timely initiatives like Thanksgiving food drives or seasonal fundraisers, offering donors an immediate way to contribute and see quick results.
- Long-term goals: Highlight projects with lasting impact, such as constructing a playground or launching a community program.
- Local chapters: National organizations can connect with regional supporters by tailoring projects to specific communities, like a San Francisco food drive or a New York winter coat campaign.
- Specific impacts: Smaller nonprofits can resonate with donors by emphasizing direct, tangible results, such as funding 1,000 meals for families. Clear outcomes help donors visualize the difference their contributions make.
Learn how to create a project here.
Show donors the impact of their contributions
Donors—and especially corporate partners—are increasingly drawn to nonprofits that can demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes. For example, specific goals like, “Help us provide 1,000 meals this Thanksgiving!” help supporters visualize the tangible results of their contributions. Today, companies need more than just dollars donated or volunteer hours logged; they require outcomes-driven results that align with their business goals.
Being able to report on your nonprofit’s impact not only builds donor trust but also positions your organization as a valuable partner. As outcome-based reporting becomes the norm, your ability to communicate measurable social outcomes will be essential to sustaining support and differentiating your nonprofit in the long term.
Create volunteer opportunities
Currently, 94% of companies with employee engagement programs run volunteering initiatives, supporting both in-person and virtual options. Creating volunteer opportunities is an effective strategy to prepare for Giving Season because it builds a strong foundation of engaged supporters who are more likely to donate. Volunteers develop a personal connection to the organization through hands-on involvement, which studies show increases their likelihood to give financially—up to 85% more than non-volunteers.
Be sure to provide clear, detailed information about each volunteer event—such as expectations, location, and impact— which overall boosts participation and ensures a positive experience. Volunteers who understand their role and see the value they add are more likely to stay involved and spread the word, amplifying your reach and visibility.
Click here to create a volunteer opportunity.
Optimize your profile to increase visibility
Companies are on the lookout for nonprofits that align with their core values, so having a clear and engaging profile on the Benevity Causes Portal is essential. Since many donors search by topic—like animal welfare or climate action—rather than organization name, think of your profile as SEO for your nonprofit, helping you stand out.
Here are our top tips for an optimized profile:
- Add your logo: A recognizable logo boosts visibility and increases click rates—ensure it’s high resolution
- Define your mission: Clearly outline your mission, vision, and the impact you aim to make. This helps potential supporters quickly understand your work and why it matters.
- Choose specific tags that align with your cause, like “food insecurity” or “plastic waste,” to help donors find you. Referencing tags like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals can provide inspiration.
- Include links: Make it easy for supporters to learn more by linking directly to your website and social media profiles.
Log into the Causes Portal to optimize your profile.
Utilize disbursement reports for strategic insights
Disbursement reports provide valuable insights into your donor base. You can view details such as donor locations, corporate matching, project-specific designations, and recurring payroll giving.
This data can inform potential corporate partnerships and targeted engagement strategies. Some donors prefer to stay anonymous, but you’ll still see their donation amounts, giving you a complete picture of your impact.
Click here to learn more about donor reports.