How to Stay Engaged, Visible and Prepared in the Slower Months
Summer might bring sunshine and vacations, but for Rescue Missions, it can also bring a seasonal slowdown in giving and engagement! That’s why now is the perfect time to get creative, stay visible and prepare your internal systems for the busy fall season.
We asked a few BDI team leaders to share their top summer fundraising tips to help your Rescue Mission stay strong through the slower months and set the stage for long-term success. Here are 5 tips for navigating the summer fundraising season like a pro.
Tip #1: Stay Top-of-Mind in Your Community
From Amanda Kirby, BDI Account Director/Strategist
Be ready (and be flexible) when it comes to summer heat relief! People experiencing homelessness face major health risks during hot summer months. And we know your team at the Rescue Mission is prepared to provide support through cooling centers, water bottles, emergency shelter and outreach kits. On particularly scorching days, it’s important to be prepared. Get the word out to donors through an urgent eAppeal or have an emergency press release ready for media distribution.
Tip #2: Clean up Your Donor Database Before the Fall Rush
From VP Data Services, Angella Hubbert
Summer is the perfect time to take a step back and prepare your data systems for the busy fall fundraising season. Use these quieter months to tackle the behind-the-scenes work that makes a huge difference later.
Start by identifying and removing duplicate records, auditing and standardizing donor flags, and reviewing your data entry protocols to ensure consistency across the board. Taking time now to clean up your database not only improves segmentation and reporting but helps you move faster and smarter when fall campaigns hit. A little effort now pays off with stronger performance – and less stress – when it matters most.
Tip #3: Make the Most of Organic Social Media
By Alicia Fletcher, BDI Sr. Manager, Email & Lifecycle Marketing
Summer is the perfect time to tap into the energy of the season and show up consistently on your social media channels. Use organic content to highlight what’s happening at your organization from behind-the-scenes snapshots, shoutouts to volunteers or live updates from summer events.
Consider hosting a community fundraiser like a 5K, car wash or movie night that drives interest from new donors to your organization. Promote it early and often across your social media platforms, and don’t forget to tag partners or sponsors to expand your reach.
If you want to build engagement beyond events, consider creating a seasonal challenge or hashtag campaign, like asking followers to “donate what you’d spend on AC for a day” or share how they’re giving back this summer. Social media isn’t just about promotion – it’s about creating moments of connection. When done well, it builds lasting relationships that fuel year-round impact.
Tip #4: Plan Ahead with Strategic, Story-Driven Content
From Katrina Williams, BDI Sr. Marketing Manager
Use the slower pace of summer to get a head start on story-driven content that will set you up for success in the critical fall giving season.
- Map out personal donor communications beyond your traditional fundraising appeals. This could include thoughtful thank-you letters, organic social media posts celebrating donor impact or stewardship emails that deepen connection outside of a direct ask.
- Refresh evergreen marketing materials like welcome emails, your organization’s brand guidelines or impact brochures to ensure they feel timely, mission-focused and brand-aligned.
- Audit your branding across channels – from social media to major-donor letters – to ensure consistent visuals, tone and messaging that reinforces trust and recognition.
- Create a summer-themed blog or newsletter articles that offer a real, human glimpse into your Rescue Mission’s work during the hot months – connecting emotionally with supporters and showing them their impact.
Tip #5: Lean into Urgent, Tangible, Need-Based Messaging
From Courtney Hamilton, BDI Associate Creative Director
Summer has a reputation for being a tough fundraising season. Donors get busy. Volunteers take vacations. Support slows down.
But busy lives don’t mean donors don’t want to help! A great way to combat a summer drop in donations and drive response is by leaning into urgent, tangible, need-based messaging. Need to serve 10,000 meals, or shelter dozens of people by July 31? Don’t be shy about asking donors to meet these important needs and amp up the urgency with a clear deadline.
Make your urgent messaging resonate through the right medium. For example, a brief handwritten note or short personal email from your Executive Director is sure to draw attention to the most critical needs when donors are busy.
Ready to strengthen your summer strategy?
BDI is here to help your team make the most of these quieter months – and build unstoppable momentum for the fall. If you’re looking for proven advice, creative ideas or hands-on support for your summer fundraising efforts, get in touch with our team at BDI today. Let’s work together to fuel your Rescue Mission with strategies that shine all summer long.
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