10 Things Ministries Should Do in February to Keep Donors Engaged

Your donors want to feel seen, valued, and connected to something bigger than themselves. But if you wait until spring to reach out, you risk losing them to distractions and other causes. February is a pivotal month for strengthening donor relationships—a moment to remind them why they believe in your mission and inspire them to continue giving.

At Big Click Syndicate, we don’t guess when it comes to audience engagement— we engineer it. I’ve spent years working with Christian nonprofit organizations, refining what works and eliminating what doesn’t.

And here’s what I know: There are 10 things you can do right now to deepen donor connections and increase support. These aren’t vague strategies; they’re specific, actionable moves that will keep donors engaged and excited about your work. Forward this to your team, delegate a few action items, and let’s make February count.

10 Things Ministries Should Do in February to Keep Donors Engaged

1. Send a Valentine’s-Themed Thank You (but Make It Stand Out)

A generic “thank you” email won’t cut it. Record a personalized video (yes, say their name) thanking them for their support, and send it via email or text. Use a tool like Bonjoro, BombBomb, or even just Loom. If that’s too much, at least send a handwritten note (bonus points for including a small token like a coffee gift card or a bookmark with an inspiring scripture). Love is in the air—use it to remind donors why they love supporting your ministry.

2. Share Real Impact—With Names and Faces

Vague stories don’t move people. Pick ONE specific donor-funded story, get a photo (or better yet, a short video), and showcase exactly what their support made possible. Post it on social media, email it out, and if you have a donor newsletter, make it the featured story. Example: “Because of your support, Sarah, a single mom, had heat in her home this winter.” Real. Tangible. Impact.

3. Host a VIP "Coffee with the Director" (Keep It Exclusive)

Most ministries never do this—and it’s a goldmine for donor engagement. Pick your top 10-20 donors and invite them to a private Zoom coffee chat. Share insider updates, answer questions, and personally thank them. Send a physical coffee kit (coffee + mug) ahead of time to make it feel special. You’ll turn casual donors into lifelong partners.

4. Create a February Matching Gift Challenge (Set a Deadline!)

A matching challenge can double your giving—if done right. Find a major donor willing to match up to $5K, $10K, or even $50K, and challenge your donor base to meet the match. Set a clear deadline (e.g., “All gifts before February 29 will be doubled!”) and push it via email, social, and text. Make it urgent and watch the response.

5. Equip Your Donors to Be Your Best Fundraisers

Most of your donors would love to introduce their friends to your mission—but you’re not making it easy for them. Give them a “Donor Advocacy Toolkit” with a sample email they can forward, a few social media posts to copy/paste, and a simple ask: “Would you introduce us to 3 people who might love our work?” Make it so easy they can’t say no.

6. Celebrate Black History Month—With Purpose

Don’t just post a quote and call it a day. Find a Black Christian leader whose legacy aligns with your mission. Share their story and tie it back to your work. Example: If you’re in education, talk about how Frederick Douglass fought for literacy. If you serve in justice ministries, highlight MLK’s biblical approach to activism. Show you care beyond just a hashtag.

7. Host a "Day of Prayer & Giving" (Engage Hearts Before Wallets)

Pick a day to invite donors to submit prayer requests and join a live prayer call. Send a follow-up email showing how their support helps answer these prayers. Then, make a gentle giving ask: “Would you consider being part of the answer to these prayers?” People give when they feel spiritually connected.

8. Get Your Donors Talking on Social Media (Engagement = Visibility)

Stop just broadcasting updates—ask engaging questions. Try:

• “What’s the best piece of faith-based advice you’ve ever received?”
• “Which worship song has been on repeat for you lately?”
• “If you could support one cause for the rest of your life, what would it be?” Encourage comments, shares, and real conversations.

9. Push Monthly Giving Like It’s Netflix

Your donors already have subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime. Why not your ministry? Rebrand your monthly giving as a “Faith Builder’s Circle” or “Kingdom Impact Team.” Show what a $25, $50, or $100 monthly gift accomplishes. Make signing up as easy as one click.

10. Plan a Donor Appreciation Event for the Spring (Start Now)

Get this on the calendar NOW. Whether it’s a virtual celebration, an intimate dinner, or an open house, start organizing. Save the date, book the venue, and plan a powerful “thank you” experience. Your donors should feel honored, valued, and deeply connected to your mission.

Final Thought

Donor engagement isn’t about asking for money—it’s about building relationships. Do even half of these things, and you’ll see a massive shift in donor loyalty and generosity. But don’t just read this. Forward it. Delegate it. Make it happen. Because if you don’t engage your donors this month, someone else will.

Now—which of these are you tackling first?