Can you believe it? Today is October 1st - already!
The giving season is officially here—and with it, a flood of communications. Giving Tuesday, year-end appeals, your regular newsletters, maybe even a gala or holiday event. It can feel like too much, too fast.
That’s why batching your newsletters—planning and preparing them in advance—is your best friend this time of year.
Here’s how to make it simple and stress-free:
1. Determine What Needs to Go Out
Start by listing every communication you’ll need this season. Think of it like creating your grocery list before you shop:
Your regular newsletter (weekly, monthly, or quarterly—whatever your normal rhythm is).
Your Giving Tuesday campaign emails.
Your year-end campaign emails (often 2–4 depending on your strategy).
Any event or gala communications you need to promote.
Now you’ve got the full picture of what’s ahead.
2. Map It Out on Your Calendar
Once you know what needs to go out, put it on a calendar. Mark the send dates for each newsletter and campaign email.
This helps you see the flow: where you may be sending too much too close together, and where you may need to add a touchpoint to stay connected.
Pro tip: Work backward from key dates (like Giving Tuesday or December 31) so you build anticipation and urgency.
3. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
One of the biggest batching mistakes is starting from scratch every time. Don’t! Use what you already have:
Past newsletters that got good engagement.
Subject lines that drove high open rates.
Stories that donors responded to.
And here’s the truth: your readers won’t remember the email you sent last year. If they do, you’re probably such a good writer you should be on stages teaching nonprofits how to create unforgettable newsletters.
So save yourself the time. Repurpose, update, and reuse.
4. Block Out Time and Write
Set aside 30–60 minutes for each newsletter. When you sit down to write:
Write without judgment—don’t stop to over-edit.
Don’t restart every few minutes—push through.
Write similar types together. For example, if you’re writing your Giving Tuesday campaign, write all those emails in one sitting. Don’t switch back and forth between campaign emails and your regular newsletter.
Remember: edits can come later when you’re reviewing with your team and finalizing.
This keeps your tone consistent and your brain in the same groove.
5. Review, Approve, and Schedule
Once your drafts are done, have a colleague or board member review them. Get any necessary approvals. Then schedule everything in your email platform.
That way, when December gets hectic (and it will), you’ll know your communications are already lined up and ready to go.
What is your biggest challenge with your nonprofit's newsletter
Batching isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. By listing your communications, mapping them on a calendar, reusing what works, blocking out writing time, and scheduling in advance, you’ll glide through giving season with far less stress.
Your donors will get thoughtful, consistent messages—and you’ll have the breathing room to focus on what matters most: building relationships and amplifying your impact.
Cheers to your impact
Carol