A great article that talks about how in 2007, despite the economic slowdown, Americans donated a record setting $306 billion.

In fundraising the best standard to follow to nurture supporters is to contact the individual seven times a year without asking for money.  The most important aspect to keep supporters, expand the supporter base, grow donors and volunteers and have a successful fundraising campaign is being consistent; gather as much information about the potential supporter and recording it. Listed below are many suggestions for opportunities to communicate. Pick seven or come up with your own.

·    January 1 New Year’s Day
·    Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (3rd Monday of January)
·    February 14 Valentine’s Day
·    February 18 Presidents Day (3rd Monday of February)
·    April 21 Patriot’s Day (3rd Monday of April)
·    May 11 Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday of May)
·    May 26 Memorial Day (last Monday of May)
·    June 14 Flag Day
·    June 15 Father’s Day (3rd Sunday of June)
·    July 4 Independence Day
·    September 1 Labor Day (first Monday of September)
·    September 2 First day of Ramadan (Islamic, movable based on Lunar calendar)
·    September 11 Patriots Day
·    September 30 - October 1 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish; movable, based on Jewish calendar)
·    October 9 Yom Kippur (Jewish, movable, 9 days after first day of Rosh Hashanah)
·    October 13 Columbus Day (2nd Monday of October)
·    October 14 First day of Sukkot (Jewish; movable, 14 days after Rosh Hashanah)
·    October 20 Last Day of Sukkoth (Jewish)
·    October 31 Halloween
·    November 11 Veterans Day
·    November 27 Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)
·    December 22 First day of Hanukkah (Jewish; movable, based on Jewish calendar)
·    December 25 Christmas (Christian)
·    December 26 First day of Kwanzaa
·    December 31 New Year’s Eve
·    Newsletter
·    Donors/Volunteers/Friends Birthday

8th Contact used to ask for financial support:
·    Annual fundraising event
·    Annual campaign