Darrin: When you have multiple priorities and everything feels urgent — how do you find time to juggle it all?

Jena: This is the season, right? Our clients and organizations are doing all the things. But you have to give yourself permission to not do it all. Block time off on your calendar for specific tasks — two hours on Wednesday, or even a whole Friday — and treat that time as nonnegotiable.

Jena: When I worked directly at nonprofits, I’d block time and then shift when something “urgent” came up. By the end of the week, I’d be stressed because my campaign wasn’t done. You have to give yourself space and hold yourself accountable.

Darrin: Love that. I’m the systems guy — I need structure. For me, it’s about creating systems I can sustain. I never add something to my schedule unless I can keep it going.

Darrin: Let’s dive into my three phases of Giving Tuesday readiness. I call Phase One: Your Story and Strategy.

Jena: I agree, but I’d actually make Phase One Defining Your Goal. When I talk to organizations, they often list everything — “We want to raise money, grow followers, recruit volunteers, get press…” When everything is a priority, nothing is.

Jena: So, first define your goal. Do you want to raise $10,000? Gain 100 new donors? Once you know that, everything — your story, your emails, your donation page — should tie back to that single goal.

Darrin: Okay, love that. Then Phase Two becomes the story.

Jena: Exactly. Tell a story that connects to your goal. One of my favorite examples is from the Monadnock Conservancy. Their longtime director retired, and they built their Giving Tuesday campaign around honoring her legacy. The story was personal, not flashy — “Celebrate a legacy, protect the land.” They doubled their goal.

Darrin: Yes! And I call Phase Two Warming the Audience. Before asking for money, warm hearts. People connect with people. Share real stories — the highs and the lows.

Jena: The final phase is making it easy to give. Giving Tuesday should be the encore, not the opening act. People should already care about your campaign before the day arrives.

Jena: Have a clear donation process — QR codes, mobile-friendly forms, and simple calls to action. Don’t make donors work to give.

Darrin: Exactly. Think like an online shopper — if your website is slow or confusing, people leave. Make sure your donation page is seamless and mobile-responsive.

Jena: Yes! Behavioral economics shows we act on feeling, not logic. When giving feels instant and rewarding, people repeat it. Make recurring donations the default — let donors “subscribe to your mission.”

Darrin: What about encouraging early giving? Like, “Don’t wait for Giving Tuesday — give early!”

Jena: Yes! Some people are over the hype of the day, so start early. Giving Tuesday shouldn’t be the finish line — it’s the launching point. If you’re ready with your story, segments, and donation page, start your campaign early.

Darrin: Exactly. Let’s think of this like making gumbo — what ingredients make a great campaign?

Jena: Your clear goal is the base — your “roux.” Then add storytelling, segmented audiences, and clear communication.

Darrin: Right. Segment your donors — your loyal monthly donors get a different message than one-time givers. Personalize emails. Even simple phone videos or authentic stories work better than overpolished content.

Darrin: And think experiential — host a Giving Tuesday party or in-person celebration. Have pizza, music, and live giving stations. Make it fun and human.

Jena: Love that — experiential fundraising! When people connect face-to-face, it builds community and loyalty.

Darrin: Giving Tuesday shouldn’t be the finale either. Follow up. Thank donors. Show them impact.

Jena: Exactly. I loved when you sent us that impact report — it made the DonorBox team emotional! You showed us what our partnership achieved with photos and outcomes. That kind of gratitude deepens relationships.

Jena: Organizations often post one thank-you graphic and disappear. Don’t do that. Send a personal thank you, not just a receipt. Maybe even a quick “We did it!” video or a handwritten note.

Jena: Then, carry the story forward. Say: “Your Giving Tuesday support helped us kick off our year-end goal — now let’s finish strong together.” That turns a one-day campaign into a long-term relationship.

Darrin: Here’s the timeline I’d recommend:

• Phase 1 (Oct 23 – Nov 3): Identify your main goal and audit your donation process.
• Phase 2 (Nov 4 – Nov 24): Warm your audience — storytelling, awareness, buzz.
• Phase 3 (Nov 25 – Dec 6): Launch your campaign, make it easy to give, and nurture relationships afterward.

Darrin: Lead with authenticity, not perfection. It’s okay to be iPhone 1 quality — just start and improve each time.

Jena: Yes! Audit your donation form. Make sure anyone — your grandma or your little cousin — can give in under a minute. You don’t need celebrity sponsors or massive budgets. You just need clarity and care.

Darrin: If you want help growing your impact, visit m3.media or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Jena: And check out donorbox.org — we’ve got donation tools, templates, eBooks, and Giving Tuesday resources.

Darrin: Our next LinkedIn Live is on November 6th — we’ll talk about preparing for the holidays through merch fundraising.

Jena: Thank you, everyone!

Darrin: Thanks, Jena — this was so much fun!