Preparing for the Season of Gratitude: Strengthening Scholarship and Donor Connections Before the Holidays

It’s early November—a time when campuses start to quiet, students count down to finals, and advancement teams turn their attention to reflection and planning.

Before the rush of year-end reporting and donor communications, this season offers something invaluable: the chance to pause, express gratitude, and strengthen the relationships that power your scholarship program.

Here are five ways to make the most of this moment—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 to thank your donors. November is the perfect time to send early messages of appreciation before inboxes fill with end-of-year campaigns.

A short, heartfelt message—paired with specific scholarship outcomes—reminds donors their support matters right now.

Pro Tip: 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

As the year winds down, donors and campus partners want to see stories that reaffirm the “why” behind their giving.

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.

👉 Related reading: How to Build Donor Impact Reports That Inspire Future Giving

3. Reflect on This Year’s Impact

Before planning for next year, take a clear look at this one.

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?

AwardSpring’s analytics make these reflections easy to capture—so you can spend more time acting on insights, not chasing reports.

👉 Related reading: 6 Common Scholarship Awarding Mistakes to Avoid Next Cycle

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. Combine simple metrics (like average award size or number of students supported) with authentic stories to make a lasting impression before year-end giving peaks.

5. Lay the Groundwork for a Smooth January

Use this calm before the holidays to prepare next year’s foundation:

• Refresh your scholarship pages and application copy.
• Double-check fund balances and eligibility rules.
• Schedule first-quarter communications with internal reviewers and partners.

Even a few proactive steps now can make January’s start feel seamless instead of rushed.

👉 Download: 5 Ways to Amplify Your Scholarship’s Reach and Impact

Final Thought: Gratitude Is the First Step Toward Growth

In higher education, gratitude isn’t seasonal—it’s strategic.

When scholarship and advancement teams take time to reflect, recognize, and reconnect before the year ends, they don’t just close a cycle—they strengthen the foundation for what’s next.

AwardSpring makes it easy to express appreciation, share insights, and plan ahead—all in one connected platform.

✨ Here’s to a November filled with gratitude, clarity, and purpose.