When the summer sun turns relentless and the world seems to slow to a gentle simmer, most people—donors and nonprofit teams alike—dream of cool escapes and carefree afternoons. Yet beneath this languid surface lies a golden opportunity: these quieter summer months are the perfect time to rekindle connections and show your supporters just how vital they are to your mission. The “Dog Days of Summer” can be when your donor relationships not only endure, but flourish.
Here are my top 10 tips for stewarding your donors during the summer months and throughout the year.
1. Personalize Your Outreach
Take the time to segment your donors and craft genuinely personal messages. A quick call or handwritten note can make a donor feel seen and appreciated. Take this time to update your acknowledgement letters by segment.
2. Share Your Summer Stories
Give supporters a peek behind the scenes with photos and short anecdotes about what your organization is up to. People love to see impact in action—especially when it’s unexpected or joyful.
3. Host Informal Gatherings if appropriate
Casual events like ice cream socials, picnics, or behind-the-scenes tours (in-person or virtual) create memorable touchpoints without the pressure of a gala. Have some fun with these August special days which are great for donors and staff alike:
August 1:
• International Beer Day (first Friday)
• Homemade Pie Day
• Spider-Man Day
August 2:
• National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
• National Coloring Book Day
August 3:
• Watermelon Day
August 4:
• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
August 6:
• National Root Beer Float Day
August 7:
• Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day
August 8:
• International Cat Day
• Happiness Happens Day
• Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
August 9:
• National Book Lovers Day
• National Garage Sale Day (second Saturday)
August 10:
• Lazy Day
August 13:
• International Left-Handers Day (That’s me!)
August 15:
• National Relaxation Day
August 16:
• National Tell a Joke Day
August 19:
• World Photo Day
August 22:
• Be an Angel Day
August 23:
• National Ride the Wind Day
• Buttered Corn Day
August 24:
• National Waffle Day
• International Strange Music Day
August 26:
• National Dog Day
August 31:
• Eat Outside Day
4. Highlight Donor Impact
Send a mid-year update that spotlights a specific accomplishment made possible by donor generosity. Show how their dollars are hard at work, even when things are slow.
5. Celebrate Loyal Donors
Acknowledge milestones, like a donor’s giving anniversary or birthday, with a personal message or card. (I also use this slow time to restock my greeting card supplies to make sure I have a wide variety at easy reach for any occasion.)
6. Invite Feedback
Ask for input on upcoming projects or new initiatives. Summertime’s slower pace may mean donors have more time (and interest) in offering thoughtful feedback.
7. Surprise with Delight
Unexpectedly send a donor a very small token of appreciation that relates to your mission. Remember to keep the price tag low, donors shouldn’t question your stewardship of their contributions. It’s the little things that remind them they matter.
8. Connect via Social Media
Post fun, lighthearted content that encourages supporters to engage—like summer reading recommendations, staff pet photos, or quick polls.
9. Prepare for Fall
Use this time to preview upcoming fall campaigns or events, inviting your closest donors to be insiders or early supporters.
10. Reflect and Reset
Summer is also a great time to evaluate your stewardship practices. What’s working? What could be improved? Bring your team together to brainstorm new approaches before things get busy again. Map out your plan for the year as part of your overall workplan.
Remember: According to The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy the cost of recruiting new donors is TEN TIMES the expense of stewarding current donors.
Donor stewardship is a year-round commitment, but summer offers a special opportunity to foster authentic connection. Creative, thoughtful gestures during these quieter months can set the stage for increased engagement—and greater generosity—when the fall giving season arrives.
Happy summer, and happy stewarding!