Maximizing the Months Between Banquets to Build Stronger Donor Engagement

For Christian nonprofits, the annual fundraising banquet is often the highlight of the year. It is a night filled with stories of God’s goodness and an opportunity for people to step into generous partnership. But the truth is this. The strength of your banquet is shaped long before the first guest walks through the door. The months between events hold tremendous potential to grow relationships, deepen trust, and prepare supporters to give even more joyfully at your next gathering.

Here are practical ways your organization can use the time between banquets to elevate both donor engagement and ministry impact.

1. Keep Sharing the Story All Year

Your ministry did not pause when the banquet ended. God kept moving, lives kept changing, and people kept being served. Share those stories regularly. Use email, social media, videos, or printed updates to show how the mission continues. Keep your supporters connected to what God is doing.

Pro Tip: Emphasize the donor’s role. Phrases like “Because of your generosity” remind supporters that they are part of every victory.

2. Build Relationships Intentionally

Donors are not just people who give. They are partners in ministry. Take time to strengthen those relationships. Make phone calls just to say thank you. Send handwritten notes. Meet supporters for coffee or invite them to see the work firsthand. These simple touches build trust and remind people how much they matter to your mission.

Consider:

• Hosting a donor appreciation event with no ask involved

• Sending birthday or holiday cards

• Highlighting faithful supporters in newsletters or online

• Hosting a lighthearted event like a comedy night for encouragement and connection

3. Encourage Monthly Support

Monthly givers are the backbone between banquets. They help keep ministry stable and strong. Show donors how even small recurring gifts make a tangible difference.

Example message: “Twenty five dollars a month may feel small, but over a year it helps provide needed support for a child entering foster care.”

4. Equip Your Board and Volunteers

Your board and volunteers can be some of your best messengers. Give them stories, statistics, and simple talking points they can share naturally in their circles. Their personal enthusiasm can introduce your ministry to new people long before banquet season arrives.

5. Pray for Your Supporters

One of the most meaningful things you can do is pray for the people who stand with your ministry. Ask supporters how you can pray for them and follow up later. Include prayer opportunities in your newsletters or send a quarterly prayer email. This builds spiritual connection, not just financial partnership.

6. Keep the Banquet on Their Radar

Don’t let the banquet feel like it came out of nowhere. Start planting seeds months ahead. Share highlights from last year, introduce your upcoming speaker, or post short behind the scenes updates. Build anticipation early and often.

7. Strengthen Your Systems During the Off Season

Use the quieter months to refine your messaging, improve donor follow up, and review what worked at the last banquet. When your communication is clear and your systems are strong, people are far more confident in giving generously.

Final Encouragement

Your banquet may last one evening, but your mission runs all year long. By investing in relationships and communicating with consistency, you prepare hearts for generosity and create a deeper sense of partnership. Scripture reminds us, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” from 2 Corinthians 9:6. Sow faithfully in this season and watch God bring a beautiful harvest at your next banquet.