How do you eat a year-end elephant?

When I’m overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks, I always think back to my dad’s favorite saying:“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

This quote is often attributed to Desmond Tutu, the South African archbishop and human rights activist, and it’s one of those timeless reminders that helps us keep moving forward when things feel impossible.

Just to clarify:

• The “elephant” represents something big — a major goal, challenge, or project that seems impossible to tackle all at once.

• “One bite at a time” means breaking that big thing down into small, manageable steps and handling them one by one until it’s done.

This time of year can feel like elephants-a-plenty — deadlines, events, reports, and of course, year-end fundraising. The only way to get through it successfully is to start early and take it one bite at a time.

Step One: Make the List

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to make your list and put it in calendar format to help you stay focused and prioritize.Here’s an example of how to break it down:

ASAP – Strategy & Preparation

Goal: Build your plan, finalize materials, and prep your audience.

Key Tasks:

• Set year-end fundraising goals (revenue, donor count, retention).

• Review last year’s results and donor data.

• Develop your campaign theme and storytelling focus.

• Segment donor lists (major donors, monthly givers, lapsed donors, new prospects).

• Draft appeal copy and design direct mail/email templates.

• Refresh your website donation page (update impact statement, ensure it’s mobile-friendly, test the donate button).

• Schedule photo and video shoots for storytelling content.

• Confirm your Giving Tuesday participation and create a plan.

• Prepare your social media content calendar for November and December.

• Double-check that your CRM and donation forms are working properly.

November – Launch Early & Build Momentum

Goal: Begin outreach, engage supporters, and set up for a strong Giving Tuesday.

Key Tasks:

• Send pre-campaign stewardship messages or thank-you emails.

• Begin soft email outreach — share stories of impact and upcoming goals.

• Finalize Giving Tuesday materials (emails, posts, match offer).

• Coordinate with your board and volunteers for peer-to-peer outreach.

• Schedule social posts and reminder emails leading up to Giving Tuesday.

• Test all donation links and tracking (Google Analytics, UTMs, etc.).

• Personally contact major donors for year-end gifts or matching challenges.

• Send a Thanksgiving gratitude post or email (no ask, just thanks).

Giving Tuesday (December 2)

• Send multiple messages throughout the day (morning → midday update → evening final push).

• Use social proof and urgency: “Help us reach our goal by midnight!”

• Post frequent updates and thank-you messages.

December – The Big Push

Goal: Maximize giving and maintain consistent communication.

Key Tasks:

• Send an early December “impact” story or update email.

• Mid-month: Send a second direct appeal reminding donors of year-end goals.

• Share social proof — total raised, donor spotlights, milestones.

• Continue contacting major donors and board members for final pledges.

• Week before Christmas: Send a warm “season of giving” message.

• December 29–31: Send final “last chance to give” emails with tax-deduction reminders.

• Post daily stories or updates in the final few days.

• Acknowledge gifts quickly with heartfelt thank-yous.

Do as much as possible in advance and enjoy the fun of marking when a task is complete!

Remember: whether your “elephant” is your year-end campaign or the long list of tasks that come with it, you’ll make it through — one bite at a time.

Team Kat & Mouse is here to help-Reach out today for your free consultation!