Effectively Using the Time Between Banquets to Increase Giving at the Next One

Effectively Using the Time Between Banquets to Increase Giving at the Next One

For many Christian nonprofits, the annual fundraising banquet is a big moment—a joyful night to celebrate what God is doing and invite people to partner financially. But the most successful banquets aren’t built in a day. The time between banquets is fertile ground to nurture relationships, deepen donor engagement, and set the stage for your next event to be your best yet.

Here are key strategies your nonprofit can implement between banquets to increase giving and ministry impact:

1. Tell the Ongoing Story

Your ministry didn’t stop after the last banquet—God has continued to work. Keep telling that story. Share testimonies, milestones, and behind-the-scenes updates regularly. Whether through email, social media, printed newsletters, or short videos, keep your supporters connected to the mission.

Pro Tip: Frame stories around the donor’s role—use phrases like “Because of your support…” to highlight their impact.

2. Strengthen Donor Relationships

Think of donors not as ATM machines but as ministry partners. Call to say thank you. Send handwritten notes. Invite key supporters out for coffee or lunch. Use the in-between months to build trust and communicate that you value them beyond their gifts.

Consider:

A mid-year donor appreciation event (no ask, just gratitude) Maybe a comedy night ;)
Birthday or holiday cards
Highlighting long-term supporters on social media or newsletters

3. Invite Monthly Support

Monthly donors provide a steady foundation between banquets. You can gently encourage people to become monthly partners by showing how even small recurring gifts make a lasting difference.

Example message:“$25/month may not sound like much, but over a year, it gives a foster child a backpack, school supplies, and birthday gifts!”

4. Involve Your Board and Volunteers

Train your board and key volunteers to be ambassadors year-round. Give them tools—testimonies, statistics, social media content—that they can share in their circles. Their word-of-mouth can introduce new people to your work long before the next banquet.

5. Pray With and For Your Donors

As a Christian nonprofit, one of the most powerful things you can offer your supporters is prayer. Ask how you can pray for them. Create a rhythm of spiritual encouragement, not just financial communication.

Ideas:

Include a prayer request section in your newsletter
Send quarterly prayer emails
Follow up when someone shares a need

6. Keep the Banquet Vision in View

Don’t let the banquet sneak up on your supporters. Drop hints and reminders months ahead of time. Build anticipation by sharing testimonies from last year’s event, behind-the-scenes planning progress, or teaser videos from your next banquet speaker.

7. Use the Off-Season to Sharpen Your Message

Now is the time to refine your mission messaging, tune up your presentation, and improve your follow-up systems. The clearer your vision and the smoother your post-banquet process, the more confident donors will be in giving generously.

Final Thought

Your mission is too important to only shine one night a year. By using the time between banquets wisely, you prepare hearts, grow generosity, and glorify God through consistent faithfulness. As Scripture says, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Let this be a season of planting deep, so the harvest is even greater at your next banquet.