Keeping your community inspired all year long takes planning, and we’re here to make it easier. Our 2026 Nonprofit Marketing Calendar is packed with monthly themes, awareness days, and ready-to-use ideas to help you stay organized, raise awareness, and reach your goals.

Whether you’re promoting an event, launching a giving campaign, or growing your list of supporters, this guide will help you plan smarter and make every message count.

Pro tip: Download your free copy of the 2026 Nonprofit Marketing Calendar (PDF) to follow along as you plan your campaigns month by month.

Key marketing tactics for nonprofits in 2026

These are the go-to tools and channels we’ll highlight throughout the calendar. Use them together to build stronger connections, grow your reach, and keep donors engaged.

  • Nonprofit email marketing: Keep supporters informed, inspired, and involved with regular updates and giving campaigns.
  • Social media for nonprofits: Share stories, celebrate milestones, and spotlight the people behind your mission to stay visible and relatable.
  • Social ads: Expand your reach beyond current followers and attract new donors and volunteers.
  • Fundraising events: Turn key calendar moments into opportunities for giving — from walkathons to community drives.
  • Sign-up tools: Grow your contact list with embedded forms, pop-ups, and QR codes at every touchpoint.
  • Polls and surveys: Make your communication interactive by asking for feedback or new ideas from your community.
  • Automated emails: Welcome new subscribers, send birthday greetings, and keep relationships active without having to manually send every email.
  • Online directories: Make your organization easy to find when people search for local nonprofits like yours.
  • Event marketing: Use proven event promotion strategies to fill your seats, boost awareness, and drive donations.

Plan your 2026 with monthly nonprofit marketing ideas

Your cause deserves attention year-round, not just during giving season. This month-by-month guide is designed to help you plan ahead, stay organized, and connect with your community when it matters most.

January: Inspire action with a fresh start

The new year is the perfect time to reconnect with your community and set the tone for the months ahead. Tap into that new beginnings energy to inspire donations, volunteers, and renewed involvement.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Share your goals for 2026 and highlight the impact your supporters made last year. Encourage readers to commit to one small action, whether that’s donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.
  • Social media: Celebrate National Mentoring Month or National Blood Donor Month with stories about the people who make your mission possible.
  • Fundraising: Launch a “New Year, New Goals” donation campaign to kickstart the year’s fundraising momentum.
  • Website: Refresh your homepage with your 2026 mission statement and upcoming event calendar to keep your message clear and cohesive.

February: Share the love

February is all about love, making it the perfect time to show appreciation for your community and highlight the heart behind your mission.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a heartfelt thank-you message that celebrates your supporters and shares one story of how their generosity made a difference.
  • Social media: Post photos or quotes from volunteers for Black History Month or Random Acts of Kindness Day (Feb. 17) to inspire others to get involved.
  • Community engagement: Invite supporters to share their own “acts of love” — donating, volunteering, or helping a neighbor — and feature their stories in your newsletter or next post.
  • Fundraising: Host a Valentine’s-inspired campaign focused on giving back, like a “Share the Love” donation drive or a peer-to-peer challenge.

March: Celebrate changemakers and spark new growth

March is a month for recognizing strong voices and fresh starts. Use this season of renewal to highlight stories of empowerment, growth, and community impact.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Spotlight women leaders or volunteers within your organization for Women’s History Month and invite supporters to honor someone who inspires them with a gift or message.
  • Social media: Share behind-the-scenes photos from your programs or events tied to International Women’s Day (March 8) or World Water Day (March 22).
  • Engagement: Encourage followers to recommend books or resources that align with your mission for National Reading Month, then feature a few in your newsletter.
  • Fundraising: Launch a spring-themed campaign focused on “planting seeds for change” — whether that’s funding a project, supporting a family, or growing your volunteer base.

April: Celebrate volunteers and inspire community action

April is all about giving back. It’s a perfect time to recognize your volunteers and rally your community around service and impact.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a “thank you” message to your volunteers for National Volunteer Month and include a simple call to action for new supporters to get involved.
  • Social media: Share highlights from past events during National Volunteer Week or post photos of your team in action on Earth Day (April 22).
  • Engagement: Encourage supporters to share how they give back — whether through time, donations, or small acts of kindness — and feature their stories online.
  • Fundraising: Host a volunteer appreciation event or mini fundraising drive tied to Good Deeds Day (April 19) to celebrate community spirit and raise awareness.

May: Focus on wellness and community care

May is a great time to highlight health, connection, and care for the communities you serve. It’s also the perfect month to celebrate the families and caregivers who keep your mission strong.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Share self-care resources or mental health tips for Mental Health Awareness Month and include ways your organization supports wellness year-round.
  • Social media: Feature stories that honor caregivers, mentors, or families connected to your cause for Older Americans Month or International Day of Families (May 15).
  • Event idea: Host a small community gathering, online panel, or family day to bring supporters together around your mission.
  • Fundraising: Encourage recurring donations through a “Support All Year” campaign that highlights the ongoing impact of monthly giving.

June: Inspire pride and celebrate progress

June is full of opportunities to celebrate identity, family, and community. It’s also a great time to reflect on the first half of the year and share what’s next for your organization.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a mid-year impact update highlighting key wins and preview upcoming summer events. Celebrate Pride Month by reaffirming your organization’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
  • Social media: Post photos or stories tied to World Environment Day (June 5) or Juneteenth (June 19) that show how your mission connects to these themes.
  • Event idea: Host a volunteer day, outdoor cleanup, or family picnic for Global Day of Parents (June 1) or Father’s Day (June 21) to strengthen community ties.
  • Fundraising: Launch a “Halfway There” campaign encouraging supporters to help meet your mid-year fundraising goals.

July: Highlight inclusion and opportunities for summer connection

July is a great month to encourage people to get involved while enjoying the summer season. Keep your content light, visual, and community-driven.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Feature stories of inclusion and empowerment for Disability Pride Month or BIPOC Mental Health Month. Encourage readers to take small, meaningful actions to support accessibility and wellness.
  • Social media: Share practical tips for Plastic Free July or UV Safety Month, like reusable swaps or summer safety reminders.
  • Event idea: Host a summer social or volunteer appreciation picnic and share photos that capture your mission in action.
  • Fundraising: Launch a “Summer of Support” campaign to sustain donations through the slower summer months.

August: Reconnect and refocus heading into fall

As summer winds down, August is a great time to reconnect with your audience, celebrate milestones, and prepare for your fall campaigns.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a short “summer recap” email with photos or highlights from recent events and a preview of what’s ahead. Celebrate National Nonprofit Day (August 17) by showing the impact your organization has made this year.
  • Social media: Spotlight a local Black-owned business for Black Business Month or share wellness reminders for National Wellness Month to encourage healthy habits.
  • Event idea: Host a back-to-school drive or volunteer day that helps families prepare for the new season.
  • Fundraising: Start building early excitement for your fall or year-end fundraising push — a quick “save the date” post or email goes a long way.

September: Prepare for giving season

September marks a fresh start for many people, marking a time to focus on goals and providing a great opportunity to re-engage your supporters post-summer.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Launch a “Welcome Back” newsletter sharing upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and donation drives. Highlight National Recovery Month or Healthy Aging Month with a story about resilience and renewal.
  • Social media: Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) by sharing stories that honor cultural contributions within your community.
  • Event idea: Host a back-to-school or community open house event to reconnect with donors, volunteers, and partners.
  • Fundraising: Start prepping your year-end fundraising strategy. Use surveys or polls to learn what causes and programs your audience cares about most this season.

October: Build awareness and boost engagement

October is packed with opportunities to spread awareness and connect with your community. It’s also prime time to ramp up visibility before year-end giving season.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Highlight personal stories or local partnerships tied to Breast Cancer Awareness Month or Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Include one clear call to action — like donating, volunteering, or sharing a resource.
  • Social media: Post quick educational facts or awareness graphics throughout the month, and keep things festive with lighthearted fall or Halloween-themed posts.
  • Event idea: Host a family-friendly seasonal event like a fall festival, Trunk-or-Treat, or awareness walk and share photos and stories afterward.
  • Fundraising: Launch a “Fall Into Giving” campaign to inspire early donations and set the stage for Giving Tuesday and your year-end push.

November: Give thanks and rally support

November is all about gratitude, making it the perfect time to thank your supporters and show the real impact their generosity makes. It’s also your moment to set the stage for Giving Tuesday and the holiday giving season.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a heartfelt thank-you message to your donors and volunteers. Include a short story or video that shows what their support makes possible.
  • Social media: Post community spotlights for Native American Heritage Month or National Adoption Month. Share daily or weekly gratitude posts leading up to Thanksgiving.
  • Event idea: Host a volunteer appreciation lunch, community dinner, or Thanksgiving-themed bake sale — events that bring people together and strengthen relationships.
  • Fundraising: Start your Giving Tuesday campaign early. Create a countdown or teaser series to build excitement and inspire early donations, and check out our guide to sending out a Thanksgiving fundraising appeal.

December: Celebrate generosity and end 2026 strong

December is the biggest giving month of the year and your chance to finish 2026 on a high note. Lean into gratitude, share your impact, and invite your community to help you start the new year with momentum.

Campaign and content ideas:

  • Email: Send a heartfelt year-end fundraising appeal that highlights your biggest wins of 2026 and what’s ahead for 2027. Make it easy to give with a bold donation button and clear CTA.
  • Social media: Spotlight Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and International Volunteer Day (Dec. 5). Share short videos or impact stats that show how much every contribution counts.
  • Event idea: Host a “Year in Review” celebration — in-person or virtual — to thank your community and share success stories.
  • Fundraising: Run a 12 Days of Giving or Countdown to the New Year campaign to inspire last-minute donations.

Year-round nonprofit marketing ideas

Consistency builds trust, and with the right tools, staying in touch with your community doesn’t have to consume all your time. Use these year-round ideas to keep supporters engaged, informed, and inspired every month of the year.

  • Automate your outreach: Set up birthday, anniversary, and welcome emails to show appreciation and stay connected with new and longtime supporters automatically.
  • Keep your website fresh: Update stories, donation links, and event pages regularly so visitors always see your most current work and impact.
  • Grow your contact list: Add sign-up forms to your website, social channels, and event check-ins, and include a QR code on printed materials to make joining your list easy.
  • Boost your visibility: Create a Google Business Profile and list your organization on other local directories so people can find and support your cause.
  • Promote your events: Use email and social media to share upcoming volunteer opportunities, workshops, or fundraisers, and encourage early registration.
  • Use surveys and polls: Ask for feedback after events or campaigns to learn what’s working and show supporters their opinions matter.

These simple, repeatable steps will help your nonprofit build stronger relationships and keep your mission top of mind all year long.

Plan your nonprofit’s best year yet

Every season brings new opportunities to connect, give back, and grow your impact — and a little planning goes a long way. Our 2026 Nonprofit Marketing Calendar is your guide to staying organized, inspired, and consistent all year long.

Use it to plan campaigns, track key awareness dates, and stay ahead of fundraising opportunities so you can focus on what matters most: your mission and the people you serve.

Download the 2026 Nonprofit Marketing Calendar below to start mapping out your best year yet.