Beyond the High Holidays: How to Sustain Fundraising Momentum All Year Long

For many Jewish nonprofits — especially synagogues, schools, and community institutions — the High Holidays mark the most visible and generous season of the year. Pledge cards, annual appeals, and emotionally resonant services often result in a surge of giving from engaged members. 

But once the final shofar blast echoes and the sukkah comes down, the real question emerges: 

Now what? 

At The Lapin Group, we guide Jewish organizations as they develop year-round strategies that build on — rather than burn out — that High Holiday momentum. In this article, we explore how to turn a strong fall appeal into a 12-month strategy that fuels your annual campaign, deepens donor relationships, and strengthens your culture of giving…and asking! 

Why the High Holidays Work — and Why They’re Not Enough 

Let’s be clear: the High Holidays are a powerful Jewish fundraising moment. They: 

• Bring together and capture the attention of your largest audience of the year 

• Tap into emotion, tradition, and community identity 

• Create urgency through the themes of reflection and responsibility 

• Provide a built-in “ask” opportunity without needing a separate event 

But relying on this once-a-year surge is risky. It assumes donors are most generous only at one period — and misses the chance to build deeper engagement throughout the year. 

Advancing fundraising means moving from moments to momentum. 

Four Strategies for Year-Round Jewish Fundraising Success 

1. Use the High Holiday Appeal as a Launchpad — Not a Finish Line 

Treat your fall appeal as the beginning of the conversation, not the end. Follow up with: 

• A stewardship email or call within 2–4 weeks 

• Updates on how donations are already being used 

• Invitations to small group gatherings Personalized “thank you” communications from board members or leadership 

2. Segment Your Donors for Smarter Outreach 

Not all donors are alike. Segment your post-holiday donor list by giving level, longevity, and engagement. Consider how to cultivate: 

• First-time donors (what brought them in this year?) 

• Lapsed donors who re-engaged (why now?) 

• Long-time donors who increased their gift (what motivated the upgrade?) 

Custom messages — not mass blasts — make donors feel seen and valued. 

3. Integrate the Jewish Calendar into Your Campaign Plan 

The Jewish calendar offers built-in moments for reflection, gratitude, renewal, and generosity. Think about how your fundraising calendar can align with: 

• Hanukkah (light in dark times, gifts of legacy) 

• Tu Bishvat (planting for the future – great for endowment appeals) 

• Purim (giving gifts, supporting those in need) 

• Passover (freedom, community, transition) 

• Shavuot (values and learning, honoring teachers or elders) 

Use these holidays to share stories, celebrate progress, and make timely asks. 

4. Keep Telling the Story 

The High Holidays give you a powerful platform — but your donor community needs to hear from you throughout the year. Use: 

• Monthly donor spotlights or “impact stories” 

• Video messages from leadership or beneficiaries 

• Progress updates on your annual or capital campaign goals 

• Honest reflections on challenges and wins 

When donors see transparency and continued need, they’re more likely to stay engaged and give again. 

Bonus: Prepare for Next Year Now 

As soon as this year’s High Holiday season ends, begin evaluating: 

• What worked well in your appeal language or outreach? 

• Which donors surprised you — and why? 

• How can you elevate next year’s messaging, tech, or follow-up? 

• Are you ready to move some donors toward larger conversations (major gifts, endowment, capital)? 

If your High Holiday appeal becomes a reliable source of entry-level gifts, your year-round strategy should offer the next step up the philanthropic ladder. 

From Transactional to Transformational Giving 

Jewish fundraising is most successful when it’s not just about dollars raised, but relationships built. The fall is a sacred time of connection — but it’s also the start of your deeper campaign work. 

When your annual campaign becomes a year-round effort grounded in mission, values, and strategic touchpoints, you create a sustainable culture of giving that lasts far beyond the holidays. 

Is your organization ready to sustain fundraising momentum year-round? The Lapin Group partners with Jewish nonprofits to design comprehensive campaign strategies — from fall appeals to full development plans; to capital, endowment, anniversary and special project campaigns. Let’s talk about how to elevate your fundraising all year long.