🚨 There are 8 days left in 2025 - step-by-step plan to bring in last-minute donor dollars, without scrambling

Sharon Elefant

6d • General discussion

If you do nothing else before 12/31, follow this exact step-by-step.

This is not theory. This is execution.

THE 7-STEP YEAR-END DONOR SPRINT

(Designed for nonprofit founders with limited time, energy, and capacity)

STEP 1 — Pick ONE clear finish-line goal (10 minutes)

No vague asks. One specific need.

“We are raising $____ by 12/31 to _____.”

Examples:

Cover 10 youth scholarships
Close a $3,000 program gap
Fund January operations

If you can’t say it in one sentence, donors won’t fund it.

STEP 2 — Build a REAL donor list (20 minutes)

Not who you wish would donate—who actually might.

Write down 25–50 names:

Past donors (any amount counts)
Volunteers, event attendees
Board members & close supporters
Partners who believe in your work

This list = your money map.

STEP 3 — Create a 3-tier ask (10 minutes)

Give donors a decision they can make quickly.

$25 → does ___
$50 → does ___
$100 → does ___

Clarity converts. Period.

STEP 4 — Write ONE message and reuse it everywhere (15 minutes)

You don’t need multiple drafts. You need one strong ask.

Template:

“We have X days left in 2025 and we’re raising $____ by 12/31 to _____.

Would you consider a gift of $25, $50, or $100 to help us cross the finish line?

Every dollar goes directly to _____.

Donate here: [link]

Thank you for standing with us.”

This is your email, DM, text, and post. Same message. Different places.

STEP 5 — Personally reach out to your TOP 20 (this is the money step)

Mass posts build awareness.

Direct asks bring in donations.

DM, text, or email your top supporters:

“Hey , quick year-end ask. We have X days left and I’m closing our $_ goal for ____. Any chance you can support with $25–$100 today? Here’s the link: ____ 💛”

This step alone can fund your goal.

STEP 6 — Post for 3 days straight

Don’t post once and disappear.

Day 1: Goal + why it matters
Day 2: Short story or impact example
Day 3: Countdown + “help us finish strong”

Always include the link. Always include urgency.

STEP 7 — FOLLOW UP (most founders skip this)

Most donations come from the follow-up.

“Circling back before year-end—any chance you can help us cross the finish line? Even $10 makes an impact: ____”

Following up is not annoying.

It’s leadership.

YOUR FINAL NPP ASSIGNMENT (before 12/31)

Drop this in the comments 👇🏽

1️⃣ Your goal: $____ by 12/31 for ____

2️⃣ Your donor list size: ___ people

3️⃣ Your first action TODAY: DM / Email / Post

This is my last guidance drop of 2025 for NPP University.

Finish the year like a funded founder, not a burnt-out one.

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