Get your ducks in a row.

You can practically hear the sleigh bells jingling… year-end fundraising is coming in hot. 🎄

For small shops, this season can feel like a sprint with no warm-up: too many moving pieces, too little time, and the lingering fear that you’ve forgotten something important.

And if you’re the only one doing it all yourself? Then you know the truth: you’re juggling donor communications, database updates, events, appeals, and about six other hats at once. 🎩 That’s exhausting—and it’s why simplicity matters.

This checklist isn’t magic, but it can give you back some breathing room. Think of it as one strong cup of coffee ☕ for your year-end prep:

1. Assign roles. Even if you’re a one-person shop, set boundaries. Decide what’s realistic and what can wait. If you do have teammates, make sure everyone knows their lane.

2. Queue your assets. Graphics, emails, social posts—schedule them now. Future-you will be grateful when December turns chaotic.

3. Test your donate page. Click every button. Break your own form. If you get stuck, your donor definitely will too. Or better yet, have a trusted friend try to break it—or just try to understand it. Outside views, especially from folks who don’t know fundraising language, are invaluable. 🔍

4. Consider your segments. If you aren’t already segmenting more robustly, try starting with just one grouping—monthly donors are the easiest to consider. 💌

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s readiness. With one focused hour this week, you’ll make December a little less frantic—and that’s a gift you’ll actually get to open yourself. 🎁