You may be thinking, “sure I read this blog for obscure pop culture references and irreverent takes on fundraising the way it’s always been done - but surely Patrick wouldn’t stoop to the level of using lyrics from one of the most iconic rock anthems of a generation to encourage an aggressive end of year solicitation plan would he?!”
You know I would.
You love singing it.
And now it’s time to take fundraising advice from the greatest anti-communist rock band of the 80’s: Europe.
That’s right. It’s the final countdown until the end of the year, and it’s time to rock your way to solicitation glory!
And sure, while Europe may have been singing about space exploration (or maybe a secret code to the Eastern bloc of Soviet rule to rise up against a dying empire—who really knows?), their epic anthem perfectly captures the energy of year-end fundraising.
Or at least, I’m gonna do my damndest to try and get us there. HA!
It’s December, folks.
The clock is ticking.
Donors are deciding.
And you're either about to soar to fundraising glory—or crash land in a sea of unfulfilled potential.
But fear not!
With a little help from a band that even your grandma likes rocking out to at weddings, and some rock-solid tips, you’ll hit those year-end goals.
So tease your hair like it’s 1986, pop in your greatest hair-metal hit’s cassette tape, turn that boombox up, and let’s dive into the lyrics and life lessons of The Final Countdown.
🎶 "We're leaving together..." 🎶
Your donors and you are in this together. Whether they're long-time supporters or first-timers inspired by holiday generosity, this is your chance to forge a connection.
Now’s the time to remind them why your organization rocks.
Tip #1: Send Personal Updates
Skip the generic "Dear Supporter" emails and aim for heartfelt, personalized messages. Did they fund a specific project this year? Show them the impact.
Example: “Thanks to your gift in July, we provided 150 meals to local families in need. Let’s make it 300 together before the year ends!”
This isn’t about you; it’s about them and how their generosity is changing lives.
🎶 "But still it's farewell..." 🎶
Farewell? Only if you forget to follow up! Many donors give in December and then hear crickets until your next year-end plea. Don’t let that be you.
Tip #2: Plan Your Thank-Yous Now
Before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, make sure every donor feels the love. This could be:
A handwritten note (yes, people still love those).
A quick, heartfelt phone call.
A shoutout on social media.
End the year with gratitude, not ghosting.
🎶 "And maybe we'll come back, to Earth, who can tell?" 🎶
Will they come back? That’s up to you. While year-end giving is critical, it’s also the gateway to building donor loyalty.
Tip #3: Use This Time to Build Relationships
December isn’t just about transactions. It’s about setting the stage for 2025.
Add a quick "What inspired your gift?" question in your online donation form.
Share your vision for the future in your appeals.
Invite donors to get involved beyond their checkbooks—volunteer opportunities, events, or even just a coffee meeting.
You’re not just raising funds; you’re building a community.
🎶 "It's the final countdown!" 🎶
Let’s be real—this is the part of the song where you’re air-guitaring in your office while simultaneously panic-refreshing your donor dashboard. Especially if the final days of December can make or break your annual goal.
Tip #4: Leverage the Countdown
Urgency is your friend. People need deadlines to act, so create a sense of now-or-never.
Use subject lines like "3 days left to change lives" or "Your last chance to make 2024 unforgettable."
Highlight tax benefits (because nothing says holiday cheer like deductions).
Use social proof: “Over 500 people have given this month—will you join them?”
Fun idea? Pair your countdown with an actual countdown on your website or social media. People love visuals—and a ticking clock reminds them time is running out. Yes, you can use a picture of the band Europe to emphasize the point. The coolest people do.
🎶 "The final countdown... Ohhhh!" 🎶
Now’s the time to go big or go home. Don’t be shy about asking for that extra push—it’s when people are most willing to step up.
Tip #5: Make It Easy to Give
If your donation process feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube, you’re losing donors. Streamline it.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly (hello, last-minute givers from their phones).
Offer multiple giving options: recurring gifts, stock donations, or even Venmo.
Suggest specific amounts with impact statements: “$50 provides a week of after-school programs for a child.”
🎶 "With so many light years to go..." 🎶
Okay, maybe you’re not trying to fundraise for intergalactic travel, but you do have big plans for the future. The end of the year isn’t just about hitting a number; it’s about fueling your mission for the long haul.
And you have 365 more days to fundraise damn it! So use this end of year campaign as a way to kick start your next year’s goals!
Tip #6: Share Your Vision for 2025
Use your year-end appeals to preview what’s ahead. Paint a picture of how this year’s gifts will make next year extraordinary.
Example: “Your gift today helps us start the New Year strong, ready to expand programs, reach more people, and make an even bigger impact.”
Donors want to be part of something bigger than themselves—show them the journey they’re helping to fuel.
🎶 "It's the final countdown!" 🎶
You’re not just fundraising—you’re rallying your band of supporters for one last epic performance of the year.
So crank up the volume, lean into the moment, and rock your year-end campaign like the fundraising legend you are.
And remember: When you hit that goal at 11:59 PM on December 31st, you get to drop the mic and shout, “Thank you, Fargo!” (Or whatever city you’re in.)
Seriously. I want to see a video of someone actually dropping the mic and saying this in their best 80’s rock band scream voice.
Well, great.
Now I’m gonna have this song stuck in my head for the rest of the week.
I also hope you do too.
Because it turns out that songwriting genius Joey Tempest could have been a kick ass fundraiser if he used his own advice for all things solicitations of gifts galore! (Look, and now you know who the lead singer and principal songwriter for Europe is too! Hooray! Learning!)
So get out there and rock out this month!
And here’s to crushing it in the final countdown!
-Patrick
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