Preparing for the season of gratitude: strengthening scholarship and donor connections before the holidays

Five ways to make the most of the pre-holiday season and set your institution up for a confident start in 2026:

1. Lead with gratitude now, not later

Don’t wait until the last week of December. November is the perfect time to send early messages of appreciation before inboxes fill with end-of-year campaigns. Use AwardSpring’s donor reporting tools to identify this year’s most impactful funds and share quick thank-you notes highlighting their reach.

2. Share the stories that matter most

Feature a student who achieved something remarkable thanks to scholarship support, or a donor whose commitment to access continues to inspire others. Authentic, concise storytelling builds community and reinforces trust.

3. Reflect on this year’s impact

Ask your team: which scholarships were most competitive or underfunded? Where did applicants struggle or drop off? What bottlenecks can be removed before the next cycle begins?

4. Re-engage donors before year-end

November is prime time for outreach: donors are still active, but not yet overwhelmed by holiday appeals. Share mid-cycle updates or data-driven summaries that show the continued need for support.

5. Lay the groundwork for a smooth January

Refresh scholarship pages and application copy, double-check fund balances and eligibility rules, and schedule first-quarter communications with internal reviewers and partners. Get a Demo.