For all the procrastinators out there who just realized that the supermarket is drowning in pumpkin spice and your TikTok feed is full of Halloween decor tips — surprise! Fall is upon us, and fundraising season is fast approaching. As we dive into the busiest time of the year and feel the sting of postage hitting $0.73, fear not! We’ve got some easy, postage-free ideas that you can implement in a snap to keep those donations rolling in.
1. Email magic
During the holiday season, email is your trusty sidekick. But is your email strategy only focused on revenue? Think bigger! Use your emails to improve other key performance indicators (KPIs) like getting a second gift from new donors, recruiting monthly givers, and maintaining your current donors.
Try this today:
Share stories of your ministry's accomplishments, send thank-you notes, or provide thought leadership pieces and white papers. Make it easy for donors to learn about giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs), planned gifts or even purchase swag that lets them rep all the good you do. Your emails should be more than just financial asks — use them to build lasting relationships.
2. Texting triumph
Texts are like the Swiss Army knife of fundraising — low cost, quickly read, and super effective. A last-minute text on Giving Tuesday or at year-end can remind donors to give in a flash, and we often see 4:1 ROIs on this type of offer. Just make sure your landing pages & donation forms are mobile-friendly and ready for mobile payments like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Try this today:
Texts can also go beyond urgent requests. Send Thanksgiving messages of gratitude or share a video from your CEO—or even your clients—thanking donors and wishing them a Merry Christmas. A heartfelt text might make someone’s holiday brighter and boost your year-round retention!
3. Ringless voicemail victory
Ringless voicemails are a sneaky way to grab attention without disturbing anyone’s peace. They silently deliver your message and notify your recipient that there is a voicemail waiting for them. These touchpoints are perfect for those last-call offers and also a fantastic tool for engaging donors with upcoming events, sending holiday thank-yous, or reminding mid- and major donors about recommending their end-of-year DAF grants. It’s an easy reminder amidst the noise of the holiday.
Try this today:
Check out Slybroadcast for an easy entry point into trying this for your ministry.
4. Social media savvy
A paid social media strategy is a must in today’s digital-first world, especially in the holiday season. Post various offers and creative ads, and don’t feel tied down to what’s in the mail. Focus on what your audience responds to and what resonates with your work in this season of giving.
Try this today:
Try video or simple animation to grab attention. We often share our proven social media strategies on our blog — check out our "Majority of New Donors Are Acquired Online" post for even more game-changing digital tactics!
5. Display advertising done right
Display ads help you find your people where they are on the web by targeting specific networks. At Masterworks, our proprietary ad network connects our clients with hundreds of relevant websites and apps. Go beyond retargeting or cart abandonment — create a full-funnel experience through engagement and awareness ads that encourage people to start engaging with your brand while surfing the web during their holiday shopping.
Try this today:
Reach out to Masterworks’ media company, Infinite Media, to learn how to get your advertising in front of engaged Christians on websites they trust.
6. Video media magic — Reels & TikTok
Videos are becoming a non-negotiable in the digital space. Building audiences where they spend their online time helps promote your brand and your work. Make sure you are active in the platforms where people consume content, like Reels and TikTok.
Try this today:
Talk to your donor reps and volunteers — they probably have great insights into what excites donors the most in their conversations; then make a video series about those exact things! And don’t be afraid to take a risk and listen to your interns about the latest app or trend to jump on, like the University of Arkansas! (Check out their Instagram Reel here). You might just be the video everyone is sharing at the Thanksgiving table.
7. CTV, YouTube Shorts, and paused video ads
Connected TV (CTV) and streaming advertisements are great ways to grab attention in a world where video content reigns supreme. As families curl up this winter and dive into streaming holiday movies, ensure they see your message of hope. These formats are perfect for sharing compelling stories tied to relevant calls-to-action that resonate with your audience. Don’t just talk — show what your organization is all about!
Try this today:
Learn more about the power of streaming video advertisements, check out our CTV blog here. And make sure that while they surf your website from their phones, they don’t have to get up to get their credit cards to give. Mobile payment options mean they can give without leaving their couch or pausing their stream.
8. Content creation powerhouse
Your team is the expert in solving humanity's toughest problems — and you are on the front lines out there doing it! So, brag a little. This holiday season, let your gift be sharing your insights with the world through blog posts, reading guides, and more. Create content that informs, inspires, and invites others to join you in making a difference. Not only does this engage your donors, it brings awareness and online traffic to your front door — and with all the ideas in this blog, you will be ready to turn that traffic into committed and long-term supporters.
Try this today:
Create a monthly content calendar to help hold you accountable. Consider using the resources from your internal chapel or ministry programs. Or create a weekly prayer request for your constituents to engage with based on your ministry needs.
9. Sponsored articles and posts
Sponsored articles and posts are a fantastic way to get your message in front of a broader audience. Partner with platforms that align with your mission and reach potential donors who might still need to become familiar with your work. It’s all about expanding your reach and making new connections. Not only do we see positive returns on these types of engagements, but they often have a shorter planning cycle and low cost to test, making them easy to add to your holiday acquisition strategies.
Try this today:
Contact Masterworks to learn how to partner with major Christian publishers like Christianity Today to boost your ministry's message to potential new donors.
10. Homepage ads
Your website is prime real estate — use it wisely! On-page ads and pop-ups can nudge visitors to take action right then and there. Whether it’s donating, giving through their DAF on Donor Advised Fund Day, signing up for a newsletter, or sharing your latest video of life transformation, make sure your website is optimized to convert those clicks into contributions.
Try this today:
Make sure your primary home page real estate features seasonally focused calls to action that leverage Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday, Christmas and Year End.
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, let these ideas warm up your fundraising strategy. With a little creativity and a festive spirit, you’ll end the year on a high note — no postage required! 🎃🍂
