September: A fresh start for fundraising
There are still a couple of weeks left of summer, but September will be here before we know it, along with a familiar sense of a new beginning. Holidays are over, teams are back, diaries start to fill up and attention turns once again to the priorities that will shape the rest of the year.
For fundraising teams, September is the perfect time to refocus, re-energise and reignite your fundraising plans.
A time to press reset
The summer months can provide valuable breathing space, but they can also leave fundraising programmes in a quieter rhythm. September offers the opportunity to step back, review what has been achieved so far and ask an important question:
What can we do differently, and more ambitiously, for the remainder of the year?
Perhaps your organisation has an ambitious fundraising target that still needs to be reached. Maybe there are prospective major donors you've yet to approach, corporate partnerships waiting to be developed or grant opportunities that need your attention.
Whatever your priorities, now is the time to turn plans into action.
Revisit your fundraising strategy
September is an ideal moment to look at your fundraising strategy with fresh eyes.
Are you on track to meet your targets? Are your fundraising activities delivering the return you expected? Are there opportunities you haven't yet explored?
A strategic review doesn't have to mean starting again. Sometimes, small changes can make a significant difference — refining your Case for Support, strengthening your donor communications, identifying new prospects or focusing your team's time on the most promising opportunities.
Reconnect with your supporters
Fundraising is ultimately about relationships.
September is a great time to reconnect with donors, prospects, corporate partners and other supporters. After the summer break, a thoughtful conversation or personal update can be the starting point for renewed engagement.
Don't underestimate the value of simply getting back in touch. Strong relationships are built over time, and consistent, meaningful communication is essential to keeping supporters connected to your organisation and its ambitions.
Make the most of the final months of the year
There are only a few months left before the end of the calendar year — and they can be some of the most important in your fundraising calendar.
Now is the time to identify the opportunities that could make the biggest difference and give your team the focus and momentum to pursue them.
Whether you're developing a capital appeal, major donor programme, corporate fundraising strategy or grant fundraising programme, having a clear plan and the right support can help you make the most of the months ahead.
A fresh season - a renewed focus
September doesn't have to be about simply getting back to business as usual. It can be a chance to think bigger, act with renewed energy and give your fundraising the momentum it needs.
We work with organisations to develop strategies, build relationships and secure the funding they need to achieve their ambitions. So, as summer comes to an end, why not make September the month you give your fundraising a fresh start?