Communications Timeline
Major Milestones
7 Months Prior
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Host the Giving Challenge kick-off training webinar for nonprofits.
- Encourage nonprofits to sign up to participate in the 2026 Giving Challenge.
- Offer technical support (via the blue chat bubble) as you build your organization's Giving Challenge donation page.
- Offer other trainings and support.
- Provide templates and resources online for participating nonprofits.
You should:
- Check your organization's profile in The Giving Partner to ensure it's updated.
- Sign up for the 2026 Giving Challenge and customize your donation page profile.
- Assemble your Giving Challenge team and involve them in planning how your Giving Challenge campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy.
- Attend the Sept. 9 kick-off webinar to learn about the 2026 Giving Challenge, how to promote your Giving Challenge campaign, and how to recruit and utilize peer-to-peer fundraisers.
- Discover all the resources available for you to use in your nonprofit toolkit (email marketing, social media posts, graphics, planning guide, and more!).
6-4 Months Prior
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Encourage nonprofits to sign up to participate in the 2026 Giving Challenge.
- Offer technical support (through the blue chat bubble) as you build your organization's Giving Challenge donation page.
- Offer trainings and support.
You should:
- Update your profile in The Giving Partner.
- Sign up for the 2026 Giving Challenge and customize your donation page profile.
- Assemble your Giving Challenge team and involve them in planning how your Giving Challenge campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy.
- Discover all the resources available for you to use in your nonprofit toolkit (email marketing, social media posts, graphics, planning guide, and more!).
3 Months Prior
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about the Giving Challenge.
- Continue offering information and trainings to nonprofits participating in the Giving Challenge.
You should:
- Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating the 2026 Giving Challenge? How will you use the funds raised during the Giving Challenge? Why should donors give to you during the Giving Challenge? Watch our Storytelling Training Video to learn more!
- Recruit peer-to-peer fundraising champions for your campaign. You can use your board, volunteers, or staff!
- Let your volunteers know you’re participating in the Giving Challenge and tell them that you need their help in extra special ways! Give them meaningful assignments to fully engage them.
- Develop your messaging plan for the next three months to ensure your donors know you are participating in the Giving Challenge April 15-16.
2 Months Prior
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Continue to promote the Giving Challenge across the region.
You should:
- Send out a save-the-date email and social media post to all of your supporters! Download the Giving Challenge “Save the Date” graphic from the Nonprofit Toolkit to make sure your messages stand out!
- Host a fundraising champion kick-off party to teach your fundraising champions best practices on fundraising!
1 Month Prior
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Host a training webinar (March 10) for participating nonprofits to go over last-minute tips and best practices to engage your supporters and be successful in the Giving Challenge.
- Heavily promote the Giving Challenge to all media outlets across the region.
You should:
- Attend the Giving Challenge Final Steps Webinar.
- Post on social media regularly about the Giving Challenge, using the hashtag #GivingChallenge2026 and #BeTheOne
- Email your supporters with additional details about the Giving Challenge. How do they give? Why should they give? When should they give?
- Ensure your campaign story and messaging are ready to go. Make sure you understand the process.
Day Of
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Heavily promote the Giving Challenge to all media outlets across the region.
- Provide 24-hour support to all nonprofits and their supporters.
- Celebrate!
You should:
- Post on social media regularly about the Giving Challenge, using the hashtags #GivingChallenge2026 and #BeTheOne.
- Email your supporters with updates and with ideas for how they can help your 2026 Giving Challenge campaign.
- Thank your supporters in real time on social media, in emails, or give them a call! This support article on how to read your 2026 Giving Challenge donation report might help.
- Celebrate!
Beyond
The Giving Challenge team will:
- Share statistics from the 2026 Giving Challenge, including nonprofit success stories, and describe the powerful change that will happen as a result of the generous donations to local nonprofits.
You should:
- Share the results from your 2026 Giving Challenge participation and what those results mean.
- Thank your donors and let them know exactly what their donations mean for your program. This support article on how to read your 2026 Giving Challenge donation report might help.
- Send handwritten notes to your fundraising champions and your board, thanking them for their assistance.
- Send periodic updates on how the donations you received are being used. Keep your donors engaged by letting them know how their money is benefiting your organization and cause.
- Compile and submit your organization's prize applications (if applicable).
- Engage with your donors on GiveGab and The Giving Partner platform after the Giving Challenge by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!