Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, missions experience an incredible wave of generosity. Donors give, families volunteer and communities rally to make sure no one goes without warmth or food. It’s a sacred season when compassion feels contagious.
But that spirit of giving doesn’t need to fade once the holidays pass. What if holiday donors became year-round partners in transformation? These four strategies can help guide your seasonal stewardship practices and extend your relationships with your supporters.
Lead with faith and gratitude
Scripture reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment; it’s a spiritual practice that sustains connection.
When donors experience your mission’s gratitude, they sense that their giving is part of something deeper than a meal or a gift; it’s participation in ongoing redemption and restoration. A thank-you infused with faith can invite them into a long-term partnership with your mission’s calling.
Examples of this may include:
- Reflecting on gratitude rooted in faith
- Discussing how giving can be spiritually significant
- Calling on a thematic Bible verse
Shift from moments to movement
Most holiday donors respond to a specific appeal: providing food and shelter, offering life-changing services or giving hope to a hurting neighbor. The opportunity lies in showing them how their compassion can continue to meet those needs all year long.
After the holidays, send a short follow-up that connects their gift to lasting change:
“Because of your generosity, 3,000 meals were served this holiday season, and the need continues every day. Would you consider becoming a monthly partner to ensure this care never stops?”
These messages keep the emotional momentum alive while introducing donors to sustainable giving.
Make gratitude personal
Even small touches make a big impact by being intentional rather than elaborate. Simple steps can help each unique donor feel valued and seen:
- Send thank-you notes quickly. Schedule thank-you emails or texts to go out within 24 hours of a gift.
- Add a personal detail. Refer to the campaign or volunteer event they participated in.
- Show impact visually. A short video or image highlighting meals served or families supported helps donors see their impact.
You can make personalized responses easier to manage by creating message templates and pre-scheduling communications.
Build a bridge beyond December
As the holiday lights fade, continue to celebrate gratitude by sharing stories. Highlighting volunteers and donor impact helps keep your mission’s story alive.
Invite holiday donors to stay involved with unique experiences:
- Tour your facilities
- Attend a “New Year of Hope” briefing
- Join a recurring-giving circle
Every expression of thanks becomes an invitation to walk alongside your mission all year long.
The bottom line: Gratitude plants the seeds of partnership. When missions model faith-filled thankfulness, donors don’t just give for a season. They give because they believe in the mission’s eternal impact.
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