The end of the calendar year isn’t just about holiday appeals and donor thank-you cards. For most charities, December 31 is both a fundraising deadline and a line in the sand for reporting, compliance, and planning. Here are the top five activities your organisation must complete before year-end to ensure you start the new year strong.

1. Launch and Close Out Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign

December is the most generous month of the year, and for many charities, up to 30% of annual giving comes in during the last quarter. Ensure your campaign is:

• Active across channels (email, social, direct mail, website, SMS).
• Clear in its ask and urgent in its timing (“give before midnight on 31 December”).
• Supported with matched gifts or tax-effective giving reminders where applicable.

Failing to push hard in December is leaving money on the table.

2. Thank Donors—Personally and Promptly

A rushed “thank you” in January doesn’t cut it. Before year-end:

• Send personalised acknowledgements to all 2025 donors.
• Call top supporters to express appreciation—no ask, just gratitude.
• Share impact stories that show exactly how their support has mattered this year.

This simple step builds trust and loyalty that will pay dividends in 2026.

3. Finalise and Reconcile Your Data and Records

Your CRM and finance teams should be in lockstep by 31 December. That means:

• Reconciling fundraising income with finance records.
• Ensuring gift coding (campaigns, funds, appeals) is accurate.
• Tidying donor data—deduplication, updated addresses, and email checks.

Clean, reconciled data now means smoother audits and stronger reporting next year.

4. Conduct a Compliance and Governance Check

Before the clock strikes midnight, make sure you’ve ticked the boxes:

• Licenses and fundraising registrations are current.
• Annual returns and filings are submitted on time.
• Board meeting minutes and resolutions are up to date.

Strong governance isn’t a “nice to have”—it protects your organisation’s reputation and credibility.

5. Plan for 2026—Not on 1 January, But Now

Waiting until after the holidays to plan is a mistake. Use December to:

• Lock in your 2026 fundraising calendar and campaign themes.
• Set preliminary budgets and KPIs.
• Confirm board and staff commitments for Q1 initiatives.

By 1 January, your team should be executing, not scrambling to plan.

Charities that treat 31 December as just another date risk missing major opportunities. By focusing on fundraising, stewardship, data, compliance, and forward planning, your organisation can close the year with confidence and hit the ground running in 2026.