Summer Is The Time to Rest, Reflect—and Regroup ☀️🧠
Earlier this year, I was working with a new client.
This Nonprofit Executive Director led a large team, but, at the time, was without a Development Director.
Can you relate?
This ED was BOOKED AND BUSY. Had no time for lunch. Had no time to think ahead.
Every meeting was interrupted by visitors to their office. Phone calls of emergencies. Tight deadlines that required their attention.
We spoke about delegating. And they were.
But some things needed to be done by them because they were in charge, and no one else was suitable.
I checked in with them recently, as summer is here and some things have quieted down.
We got together and they looked at me and said, “I think I can breathe again. Now I finally have time to think.”
That’s the magic of early summer, isn’t it?
The pace shifts.
The email volume dips (a little).
The frantic energy of spring campaigns and year-end wrap-ups gives way to something milder.
And if you’re lucky, you get a moment to stop reacting and start reflecting.
Summer Is the Strategic Pause You Need
Here’s the thing – the work continues.
There is never a time for a total pause.
But I can’t tell you how often I hear from fundraisers that their year ends (whether it’s their fiscal year on June 30 or the calendar year on December 31) and the CRM dashboard flips back to $0, and there was never a moment to say, hey – we accomplished our goals.
We achieved something incredible.
We are actually stronger than we were one year ago.
So here’s your reminder - Don’t waste this window.
Summer isn’t just for vacations and ice cream (though yes, please, to both). It’s your opportunity to regroup—on purpose.
In quieter moments like these, nonprofit leaders and fundraisers can finally ask the questions that get lost in the chaos:
Is our donor stewardship actually personal—or just automated?
Are we chasing KPIs that matter?
How is our team doing—really?
Are we set up with the tools and training we need to meet this year’s goals?
This is your time to zoom out, assess what’s working, and make a plan that doesn’t rely on crisis-mode energy.
Three Things to Do While the Office Is Quiet(er)
So what are a few simple things you can do now?
1. Call a donor—just to say hi. 📞
No ask, no agenda. Just a warm, honest check-in. Ask how their summer is going. Share one thing you’re excited about at your organization. Donor stewardship is the best thing you can do to retain your donors. These conversations build loyalty and trust more than any newsletter ever will.
2. Practice your pitch. 🗣️
Summer is a great time to refine your message. Can every member of your team—and board—clearly explain what you do and why it matters? If not, take the time to workshop it together.
3. Capture stories while they’re unfolding. ✍️
Right now, somewhere in your organization, something inspiring is happening. A camper is making their first friend. A new medical discovery is made. A volunteer is showing up with heart.
Write it down. Record it. Save it for future appeals and donor updates. Don’t let those stories disappear.
Need some help?
If you’re ready to take a more intentional approach to the year ahead, I’m here to help.
I work with nonprofits to assess their fundraising teams and operations, create customized development plans, and provide team trainings that actually shift behavior and boost results.
Whether you’re looking for a quick 6-day strategy sprint or a longer-term support process, we’ll make sure your fall fundraising isn’t left to guesswork.
And if you’ve got newer or next-gen staff who need a confidence boost?
Check out Gen Z’s Guide to Donor Conversations!
It’s designed for fundraisers who care deeply about the mission but get stuck when it’s time to talk to donors. We cover it all: how to prep, what to say, how to follow up, and how to sound like yourself.