Top 5 Rhetorical Questions for Nonprofits (Holiday Edition)

It’s the holiday season: That time of year when things are busier, time seems to move faster and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That’s why we’re here to get you a super short list of our top five rhetorical questions around holiday giving. Sure, you might know the answers already, which is why they’re rhetorical, but sometimes a little reminder is a good thing. And seriously, who has time for a long blog post right now?

1. Are the Last Three Days of the Year Also the Best Giving Days of the Year?

Yes. Twelve percent of annual giving happens over the last three days of the year. So make sure you’re reaching out to your supporters and fundraisers a lot during those days, encouraging them to not only give, but to share as well.

2. Is Messaging More Than Once During the Holiday Season Going to Create Too Much Fatigue With Donors and Supporters?

No, of course not. They’re looking for something more meaningful to do in between shopping for paperweights and fancy ascots. Plus, your supporters also have a lot going on this time of year and just might need a little reminder.

3. Will Social Fundraising Play a Role in Being Successful on #GivingTuesday?

Definitely. #GivingTuesday is basically the best proof we have that social fundraising works. Be sure to realize that shares of your campaign by supporters and shares of supporter actions have real value (and don’t forget to let you supporters know as well).

These actions can be a moving interaction with your organization, a donation made, an event ticket purchased, volunteer hours completed or the creation of a personal (peer-to-peer) fundraising page benefiting you.

4. Are There More Shares of a Donation During the Holidays? 

Yes. People are much more active during the holidays. They’ve got to share the newest deal they found, but then also share what they really care about... your cause.

5. Why Do People Want to Give During the Holiday Season?

Lots of reasons. We’re no tax experts, but someone smart told us that sometimes you can get tax-deductions when making donations so supporters want to get them in before the end of the year. In addition, they want to curb the consumerism trend and do something with their wallets that has more meaning.

Bonus: Are Shares Just as Meaningful as Donations?

Ok, this is a sixth question. Five sounded better, but we had to get this one in as an honorable mention.

Yes, shares can be just as meaningful as donations. Surprisingly often, when your supporters share their interactions with your cause it results in a new donation from someone not already in your audience. That’s huge. But we shouldn’t overlook what the “friend-to-friend referral” nature of these shares adds in terms of powerful social capital to cause awareness. This is often just as important as a donation.

So there you have it, five six rhetorical questions to keep in mind this holiday season. Dig in and make the remainder of 2017 really count.