Finding the time and rhythm to publish your newsletter consistently can feel impossible.
Between running programs, managing staff, and putting out fires (the good kind and the not-so-good kind), your newsletter can easily slide down the priority list.
However, keeping the purpose of newsletters in mind will help prevent them from falling to the bottom of your to-do list. As a reminder, the purpose is: to share updates, inspire action, and highlight giving opportunities.
So, with that purpose in mind, just how often should you send your non profit’s newsletter?
The short answer: It depends on your organization’s pace of activity and your team’s capacity.
Let’s break that down.
Balance Frequency and Length
As a general rule, the longer your newsletter, the less often you’ll realistically be able to publish.
Many nonprofits put together beautiful, magazine-style newsletters packed with stories, updates, and thank-yous.
But here’s the challenge: those longer issues take so much time and effort that they end up being sent only a few times a year.
That’s not a bad thing — but it does make it harder to stay consistently present in your supporters’ inboxes.
A shorter, more focused newsletter can help you publish more frequently and maintain engagement throughout the year.
Assess Your “Speed of Information”
Think of your nonprofit’s “speed of information” as the rhythm of your work.
Ask yourself:
How often do we have updates, events, or new stories to share?
Do we generate news weekly, monthly, or seasonally?
If you’re a busy organization with regular activities or community programs, you likely have enough content to send weekly or biweekly.
If your updates come less often, a monthly or quarterly schedule may make more sense.
Match Frequency to Your Resources
Even if you have plenty of news, your capacity to write, design, and publish matters just as much.
A sustainable schedule is one you can maintain without stretching your team thin or compromising quality.
If you’re just getting started, start with a monthly newsletter. Once you get into a groove and see what works, you can adjust your frequency.
Remember: consistency builds trust. Sending smaller, steady updates helps your readers get used to hearing from you — so they won’t feel overwhelmed when your year-end appeal hits their inbox.
Be Flexible Around Key Seasons
Your publishing schedule isn’t fixed forever.
You can always increase frequency around high-activity periods like year-end fundraising, Giving Tuesday, or major events.
The key is to plan a base rhythm — then layer in timely editions when there’s something exciting to share.
There’s no universal rule for how often to send your newsletter.
It’s about finding the balance between your flow of information, your available resources, and your commitment to consistency.
Start simple. Stay steady. And let your rhythm evolve as your nonprofit grows.
Cheers to your impact
Carol