The nonprofit’s guide to engaging your community at the end of the year

The end of the year is a busy time for many people around the world. While the days fly by and the new year approaches, there is much to do—especially for nonprofits. 

But it’s also the best time of the year to connect with your community. In fact, the last two days of the year are actually the biggest giving days of the year.

Community engagement is more important than ever during this busy period. This engagement can drive support and possible funds and also ensure you and your nonprofit’s mission stays top of mind for your community.  

Here are some tips on how you can engage your community for increased support during the festive season!

How to engage your community at the end of the year 

It might seem like everyone is full of commitments at the end of the year. But community members are often looking for ways to give back during the holiday season, so it’s important to engage your community and offer opportunities for involvement. 

Here are some ideas! 

1. Get involved in local functions

An excellent way to engage your community at the end of the year is by participating in your community’s events. Whether it’s to celebrate or commemorate an event, a person or a belief, it’s a great opportunity to make connections in the community on a deeper level.  

Taking part in these events could mean simply attending them or perhaps it could be an opportunity to sponsor or partner with others in your community. Spark goodwill between your nonprofit and other organisations in the community. Only good will come of it. 

2. Invite conversations

Conversation is a wonderful way to reconnect with your community. This could be through emails or newsletters, or by inviting community members to sit on a panel to discuss topics and challenges in the community. 

The essence of conversation lies in its revealing effect. It’s an efficient way for your organisation to find out what plagues the community from the members themselves. Also, your organisation can leverage the opportunity to share its insight on community challenges.

What’s more, discussions are appropriate for a proper explanation of your organisation’s mission and an exhibition of how its activities will be beneficial to everyone. Ultimately, conservations with the community provide voice and reason for your decision-making.   

3. Ask your community for help

Psychology teaches that if someone does you a favour, it makes them like you more. As odd as it sounds, this is a reality and one that your organisation can leverage to engage the community as the year draws to a close. 

To boost community involvement during the holiday season, consider reaching out to your community for aid. This could mean hosting a fundraiser and asking for financial support. The effectiveness of hosting a fundraiser towards the end of the year lies in the fact that, statistically, December 30 and 31 are the biggest giving days of the year. These dates give even GivingTuesday a run for its money.

Some holiday fundraising ideas include

• Hosting breakfast, brunch or dining out with a fundraiser
• Having a Christmas or other holiday party 
• Organising a Christmas decoration workshop
• Hosting an auction or other similar event to raise money and awareness for your cause 

4. Send gifts and postcards 

Another thoughtful way to engage the community at the end of the year is to hand out gifts and postcards. Such gestures demonstrate respect, recognition and a willingness to improve relationships. It’s a neighbourly way to show your organisation’s spirit and support. 

Consider sending slow mail to stakeholders in your community, including leaders, dignitaries, heads of institutions and regular community members who have made outstanding contributions to the general well-being of society. It will ignite their interest in your nonprofit and make them seek out a genuine connection with it.  

5. Volunteer with partner organisations 

Volunteering to help other organisations in your community is a great way to make connections and learn about other nonprofits. 

This opens up a world of opportunities for your nonprofit to polish its interaction with the community. In your organisation’s quest to do good, you won’t run out of where or how to volunteer during the holidays. 

The end of the year is a busy time. But many in the community will be looking for ways to give back and get involved. Take this period as an opportunity to gain support and attention and network with others in your community. The spirit of the season will no doubt create new partnerships, friendships and initiatives.