Seasons of Story
The Tellwell Framework and Non-Profit Content Calendar
A Strategic Content Calendar for Mission-Driven Storytelling Based on Seasons of Giving and Stewardship
Your organization’s story is more than a series of programs and events—it’s a living, breathing narrative that unfolds over the course of a year. By aligning with the seasonal cycles of your supporters’ lives, you’ll build a strong emotional connection and cultivate deeper engagement. Think of each season as a unique opportunity to speak to the hearts of those who care about your cause.
Whether you’re celebrating past achievements, casting a vision for the future, or rallying community action, the seasons of giving offer a compass that keeps your storytelling relevant and compelling. Over the next four quarters, you’ll move through phases of gratitude, renewal, growth, and finally, a crescendo of year-end generosity—all of which weave together into one powerful narrative for your mission.
Fillable Calendar (Google Sheet)
Introduction: Why Seasonal Communication Matters
Research in donor psychology reveals that giving patterns follow predictable seasonal rhythms. These patterns are influenced by several key factors:
  • Cultural and Holiday Traditions: Major giving seasons often align with cultural celebrations and traditional moments of gratitude and generosity.
  • Financial Planning Cycles: Donors make giving decisions based on tax considerations, annual bonuses, and fiscal year planning.
  • Emotional States: Seasonal changes affect mood and decision-making. For example, spring often brings feelings of renewal and possibility, while year-end holidays evoke reflection and generosity.
  • Community Engagement Patterns: Different seasons naturally lend themselves to different types of community involvement, from summer outdoor events to winter holiday gatherings.
The art of mission-driven comms isn’t just about what you say—it’s about when to say it. The Seasons of Giving framework aligns your storytelling with the natural cycles of donor engagement and generosity. Think of your organization’s story as a symphony—each season a movement, building toward a finale at year-end.
Four Seasonal Pillars
  • Q1 (Jan–Mar): Introduction + Momentum Building
  • Q2 (Apr–Jun): Renewal + Connection
  • Q3 (Jul–Sep): Growth + Preparation
  • Q4 (Oct–Dec): Recognition + Gratitude Recognition + Gratitude

Making This Framework Your Own As you begin implementing the Seasons of Giving framework, remember these essential principles:
  • Start Where You Are: You don't need to implement every aspect of this framework at once. Begin with the season you're in, focusing on the strategies that best match your organization's capacity and community needs. As you build momentum, you can gradually incorporate more elements of the framework.
  • Listen to Your Community: While these seasonal rhythms are universal, your specific community may have unique patterns of engagement. Pay attention to when and how your supporters naturally connect with your mission, and adapt the framework accordingly.
  • Measure What Matters: Beyond traditional metrics like donation amounts and email open rates, track the deeper indicators of community engagement—stories shared, relationships strengthened, and lives transformed. These qualitative measures often reveal the true impact of your seasonal strategy.
  • Stay Authentic to Your Mission: This framework should enhance, not replace, your organization's unique voice and approach. Use it as a guide to amplify your existing strengths while discovering new opportunities for connection.
Q1 (January – March): Introduction + Momentum Building
The first quarter is all about harnessing the energy that arrives with the new year. Donors who contributed at year-end are still riding a wave of holiday goodwill, and volunteers are eager to set fresh goals. This is your moment to thank them, celebrate last year’s successes, and spark excitement for the path ahead.
Focus on nurturing that sense of pride contributorsfeel from making a difference. By sharing tangible outcomes and unveiling ambitious plans, you transform passive support into an active, energized community ready to make a lasting impact in the months to come.

Purpose of Q1
  • Demonstrate the tangible benefits of the prior year’s support
  • Establish clear visions and goals for the new year
  • Set narrative threads to weave through the rest of the year
Psychological Context
Supporters start the year with fresh optimism (and the lingering glow of holiday giving). This makes them especially receptive to thank-you messages and an overview of where you’re headed next.
January
Theme/Focus: Initiatives & Celebration
Key Tasks
  • Immediate Impact Recognition
  • Example Language: “Your December gift has already provided warm meals to 50 families during the coldest month of the year.”
  • Show donors the tangible outcomes of their year-end donations.
  • Highlight Past Achievements
  • Share your top three successes from last year (in a newsletter or social post).
  • Recognize outstanding supporters/volunteers.
  • Roadmap Teaser (formerly “Vision Casting”)
  • Let them know big goals and initiatives are on the horizon.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Donor spotlight or a short “thank you” video
  • Week 2: Behind-the-scenes staff profiles—why they’re excited for the new year
  • Week 3: Recap/visual of last year’s impact stats
  • Week 4: “Thank You Thursday” (e.g., highlight a volunteer or donor story)
Events/Deadlines
Mid-January: Virtual “New Year Gratitude” coffee or small in-person gathering
End of January: Board members place personal calls to top donors
Tracking & Metrics
  • Open/Click Rates on gratitude emails
  • Response Rate to personal outreach (e.g., do donors reply or schedule calls?)
  • Volunteer Inquiries (people wanting to help early in the year)
February
Theme/Focus: Future Possibilities
Key Tasks
  • Introduce New Programs/Goals
  • Share a simple overview: “We plan to expand our mentorship program by 20%.”
  • Emphasize how donor support makes it possible.
  • Invite Deeper Engagement
  • List ways donors can get involved: volunteer, sign up for an event, spread the word.
  • Personal Connection Development
  • Example Language: “We’d love your thoughts: What future opportunities excite you the most?”
  • Could be a quick donor survey, call, or email prompt.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Announce a big upcoming event or annual goal
  • Week 2: Staff/volunteer spotlights—share behind-the-scenes stories
  • Week 3: Sneak peek of new initiatives or partnerships
  • Week 4: Partner highlights (local business or civic group collaboration)
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-February: Schedule a “vision session” (online or in-person) to discuss annual goals
  • Late February: Confirm details for any spring fundraising appeals
Tracking & Metrics
  • RSVPs for vision sessions or Q&A calls
  • Social Media Engagement (likes, shares, comments about future goals)
  • Donor Feedback (survey completions, email replies)
March
Theme/Focus: Activate Involvement
Key Tasks
  • Spring Campaign Previews
  • Example Language: “Mark your calendars for April—our big volunteer drive is coming!”
  • Open Registration
  • If you have a spring event/fundraiser, now is the time to get sign-ups.
  • Encourage Donor & Volunteer Engagement
  • Could be a final Q1 email pushing for peer-to-peer fundraising or monthly giving.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: “We need X volunteers for April—here’s how to sign up.”
  • Week 2: Preview next month’s big event or campaign
  • Week 3: Volunteer success story from last year
  • Week 4: Final Q1 “Call to Action” (donor sign-up, monthly giving, etc.)
Events/Deadlines
  • Early March: Finalize marketing materials for April/May events
  • Late March: Confirm volunteer roles, speaker lineups, or programming details
Tracking & Metrics
  • Q1 Donor Retention (compare to last year)
  • Email Open Rates for campaign previews
  • Volunteer Registrations for upcoming events
Q1 Content Inspiration
Gratitude Impact Report
Subject: "Your 2024 Impact: A Journey of Change"
  • Personal greeting referencing specific support
  • Top 3 organizational achievements from previous year
  • Direct connection between donor's gift and outcomes
  • Preview of upcoming opportunities
Vision Introduction
Subject: "Building Tomorrow Together: Our 2025 Vision"
  • Clear statement of organizational goals
  • Specific program objectives
  • Ways to get involved
  • Personal invitation to upcoming events
Community Connection
Subject: "Meet the People You've Helped"
  • Feature story of program participant
  • Quote from staff member
  • Volunteer spotlight
  • Invitation to share their own story
Action Opportunity
Subject: "Join Us in Making 2025 Amazing"
  • Specific engagement opportunity
  • Clear call to action
  • Impact projection
  • Recognition of ongoing support
Create Your Seasonal Content Calendar
Transform your nonprofit's storytelling with our ready-to-use content calendar template.
Organize Year-Round
Plan your entire year with pre-formatted seasonal sections for consistent engagement.
Track Metrics
Built-in tracking for donor engagement, email performance, and campaign success.
Get Started Now
Make a copy of our Google Sheet template and customize it for your mission.
Q2 April – June:
Renewal + Connection
As winter melts into spring, people naturally crave renewal—new ideas, outdoor activities, and hands-on involvement. This quarter offers the perfect environment to deepen relationships and turn casual observers into active collaborators. It’s where your supporters can see themselves as part of the story, not just spectators.
Engage your community with interactive events, skill-sharing, and collaborative projects. The sense of fresh beginnings will fuel your momentum, allowing donors, volunteers, and partners to forge stronger bonds that carry you through the vibrant months ahead.

Purpose of Q2
  • Tap into spring’s energy for community-based initiatives
  • Convert observers into active participants
  • Build partnerships and collaborative opportunities
Psychological Context
People are ready to get outside, gather, and do something hands-on. They’ve moved past “New Year’s resolutions” and are open to community engagement.
April
Theme/Focus: Together We Create Change
Key Tasks
  • Community Listening Sessions
  • Let donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers help shape upcoming programs.
  • Skill-Sharing Workshops
  • Example Language: “We’re hosting a free Zoom workshop—learn X skill and help us with Y project.”
  • Collaborative Project Teams
  • Encourage supporters to form mini “task forces” for special initiatives.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: “We want your voice—join our listening session!”
  • Week 2: Photos or quotes from a skill-sharing workshop
  • Week 3: Updates on collaborative projects—progress so far
  • Week 4: Invitation to new volunteers (or existing volunteers to upgrade skills)
Events/Deadlines
  • Early April: Kickoff “community council” or volunteer committees
  • Mid-April: Annual volunteer orientation or training (could be in-person or virtual)
Tracking & Metrics
  • Session Attendance (listening or workshop RSVPs)
  • Volunteer Hours logged
  • Feedback from participants (surveys, post-event polls)
May
Theme/Focus: Connecting Hearts and Hands
Key Tasks
  • Mentor-Mentee Matching
  • Example Language: “We’re pairing up experienced volunteers with new recruits for a more personal experience.”
  • Small-Group Impact Circles
  • Local meetups (or Zoom circles) where people discuss ways to deepen impact.
  • Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
  • Encourage supporters to tap their own networks—friends, family, colleagues.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Personal mentor/mentee story (“How working together changed X person’s life”)
  • Week 2: Volunteer spotlight—focus on someone building community connections
  • Week 3: Recap of an “impact circle” with photos, quotes
  • Week 4: Launch or highlight peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-May: Potential “thank you” gathering for top fundraisers or volunteers
  • If doing a spring appeal letter or email, send it now to maintain momentum
Tracking & Metrics
  • New Mentor-Mentee Matches
  • Peer-to-Peer Donations raised
  • Community Feedback (surveys, anecdotal stories shared back with you)
June
Theme/Focus: Amplifying Our Impact
Key Tasks
  • Train Community Ambassadors
  • Give them a toolkit: talking points, social graphics, how to speak about your mission.
  • Social Media Advocacy Campaigns
  • Example Language: “All June, share why YOU support [org name] using #WeCare2025.”
  • Partnership Programs
  • Collaborate with businesses, civic groups, or other nonprofits to expand reach.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Intro new ambassadors (board, donors, or volunteers who’ll represent you)
  • Week 2: “Advocacy Challenge” (encourage supporters to tag friends, share stories)
  • Week 3: Highlight a partner or local business that’s joined forces with you
  • Week 4: Recap if you host a community action summit or big gathering
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-June: Community Action Summit or year-end planning workshop
  • End of June: Final volunteer push before summer
Tracking & Metrics
  • Number of Ambassadors equipped
  • Social Media Reach (shares, hashtags used)
  • New Partnerships formed
From Observers to Change-Makers
Your Q2 strategy should focus on transforming every touchpoint from a one-way communication into an opportunity for active participation. This means reimagining how supporters engage with your mission:
  • Traditional Donor Meetings become "Strategy Sessions" where supporters help shape program direction. Instead of simply reporting impact, invite them to participate in program planning or evaluation. Create opportunities where their expertise and perspective can directly influence your work.
  • Newsletter Updates transform into "Community Action Guides" that pair every impact story with specific ways supporters can amplify that impact. For example, if you're sharing a story about youth mentorship success, include clear pathways for readers to engage – from becoming mentors themselves to helping recruit others.
  • Volunteer Opportunities evolve from task-completion to skill-building experiences. Design roles that develop leadership capabilities and create clear pathways for increased responsibility. Show volunteers how their service builds both community impact and personal growth.
Building Multi-Dimensional Relationships
Q2 is the ideal time to deepen relationships beyond traditional donor-nonprofit or volunteer-organization dynamics. Focus on creating connections that engage multiple aspects of supporters' lives and interests:
Professional Engagement: Create opportunities for supporters to contribute their professional skills and networks. Develop "skill-based volunteering" programs that match professional expertise with organizational needs.
Family Involvement: Design experiences that allow supporters to engage alongside their families, creating meaningful shared experiences while advancing your mission. This might include family volunteer days, multi-generational mentoring programs, or family philanthropy workshops.
Community Leadership: Position your most engaged supporters as community ambassadors, equipping them with the tools and information they need to advocate for your cause within their own networks.
Q3 July – September:
Growth + Preparation
Summer can be deceptively quiet, but that calm is the perfect time to cultivate what you’ve built so far. In Q3, you gather transformational stories, strengthen key relationships, and prepare the narrative threads you’ll need for a powerful year-end campaign. Think of it as your harvest season—collecting the impact data, testimonials, and communal goodwill that will blossom into generosity in Q4.
By showing donors and volunteers that you’re actively listening and acknowledging their contributions, you reinforce trust. Strategically, you’ll fine-tune messaging, refresh your donor databases, and develop new ways to showcase your organization’s progress. That groundwork will set the stage for a memorable final push when year-end approaches.

Purpose of Q3
  • Deepen relationships and gather impact stories
  • Lay the groundwork for year-end success
  • Use late summer/early fall to refine messaging for Q4 campaigns
Psychological Context
Summer can be slower; people are on vacation or less focused. But as they come back to routine (especially around back-to-school), they’re more open to reflecting on the year so far and planning for the next phase.
July
Theme/Focus: Capturing Impact
Key Tasks
  • Staff Training in Story Gathering
  • Example Language: “Make sure to ask open-ended questions—‘How did our program change your life?’”
  • Document Program Milestones
  • Photos, interviews, quotes—organize them in a central folder or Google Drive.
  • Visual Impact Archives
  • Create mini “albums” of success stories to use in Q4 appeals.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Behind the scenes of your programs
  • Week 2: Beneficiary or client testimonial
  • Week 3: Staff reflection—what they’ve learned this year
  • Week 4: “Story Snippet” or anecdote teasing big Q4 announcements
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-July: Possibly a mid-year board meeting—share story highlights
  • Encourage staff/volunteers to submit at least 1 meaningful story per week
Tracking & Metrics
  • Number of New Stories or testimonials collected
  • Quality of Visual/Photo Assets (are they campaign-ready?)
  • Social Engagement on behind-the-scenes or testimonial posts
August
Theme/Focus: Extending Connections
Key Tasks
  • Major Donor Briefings
  • Example Language: “We’d love to show you what your support has done so far—can we schedule a quick call?”
  • Partner & Board Engagement
  • Host small focus groups or planning sessions.
  • Recognize board members or top partners in a newsletter or social post.
  • Volunteer Recognition
  • Thank the volunteers who’ve been active all year. Celebrate their contributions publicly.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Donor spotlight—“Why I support this cause”
  • Week 2: Partner collaboration successes—how working with another org created impact
  • Week 3: Volunteer appreciation—photos, short quotes
  • Week 4: Community feedback forum—invite comments or Q&A
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-August: Board retreat or donor appreciation breakfast
  • Late August: Start hinting about your major Q4 campaign theme
Tracking & Metrics
  • Donor Satisfaction or feedback (did they feel heard?)
  • Partnership Renewals (any expansions with existing partners?)
  • Volunteer Retention (did recognized volunteers stay on board?)
September
Theme/Focus: Building for Impact
Key Tasks
  • Finalize Year-End Campaign Strategy
  • Example Language: “We’ll emphasize youth mentorship in our Q4 appeal—here’s our timeline.”
  • Content Creation Workshops
  • Draft your Q4 emails, direct mail, social posts, or “Giving Tuesday” promos.
  • System & Data Checks
  • Clean email lists, update donor info, ensure your website is ready for increased traffic.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Poll supporters about what impact they want to see at year-end
  • Week 2: “Behind the scenes” of campaign prep (staff or volunteer quotes)
  • Week 3: Q3 highlight reel—celebrate your progress
  • Week 4: “Save the Date” for Giving Tuesday or big year-end events
Events/Deadlines
  • Mid-September: Team training on new fundraising tools or CRM updates
  • End of September: Soft launch or preview of your year-end campaign to key donors
Tracking & Metrics
  • Campaign Readiness (assets developed, timelines set)
  • Database Cleanliness (valid emails/addresses, updated contact info)
  • Supporter Feedback (if you polled them about Q4 plans)
Q4 October – December: Gratitude + Thanks
The fourth quarter is the grand finale of your storytelling year—a time when reflection, holiday generosity, and other incentives converge to create a powerful giving environment. This is your cue to tie every narrative thread together, sharing the collective impact made possible by each donor, volunteer, and partner.
Focus on gratitude and compelling, human-centered stories that show exactly how your community’s support changes lives. By illuminating both the year’s progress and the unrealized potential just around the corner, you invite supporters to make one final, meaningful contribution. This season isn’t simply about fundraising; it’s about celebration, recognition, and honoring the shared mission that brings everyone together.

Purpose of Q4
  • Culminate your year-long storytelling and relationship building
  • Harness holiday generosity and reflection
  • Inspire significant year-end impact
Psychological Context
People are in reflective mode (end of the calendar year), more emotionally open to impact stories, and motivated by both the holidays and tax considerations. This is the time to pull everything together and create a powerful final push.
October
Theme/Focus: Inspiration
Key Tasks
  • Volunteer Recognition Campaign
  • Example Language: “Thank you, volunteers—because of you, we achieved X this year.”
  • Major Donor Outreach
  • Schedule calls or face-to-face meetings: “Here’s how we plan to end the year on a high note.”
  • Early-Bird Giving
  • Tease any matching gift or challenge grants that will go live soon.
  • Impact Report Teasers
  • Show preliminary data: “We’ve served over 500 families so far—full report coming next month!”
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Volunteer stories (short video or testimonial)
  • Week 2: Major donor spotlights—how they helped your org
  • Week 3: Preliminary impact stats or “sneak peek” of your annual report
  • Week 4: Early-bird giving or pledge announcements
Events/Deadlines
  • If you have a Fall Fundraiser event, finalize details and start promotions now
  • Board members might begin a Board Giving Campaign internally
Tracking & Metrics
  • Volunteer Thank-Yous delivered
  • Early Pledge/Challenge Grant sign-ups
  • Social Media Engagement (teaser content)
November
Theme/Focus: Gratitude + Celebration
Key Tasks
  • Giving Tuesday Campaign
  • Example Language: “Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on [date]—help us reach our $XX,XXX goal.”
  • Release Full Impact Report
  • Show donors the year’s accomplishments: stats + personal stories = powerful combo.
  • Recognition Events
  • Could be small dinners, online “gratitude parties,” or volunteer celebrations.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Official impact report release—charts, stories, highlights
  • Week 2: Build momentum for Giving Tuesday (countdown posts)
  • Week 3: Real-time updates on Giving Tuesday results—celebrate donors as they come in
  • Week 4: Community celebration or recap of the month’s achievements
Events/Deadlines
  • Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving)
  • Potential big push for peer-to-peer or corporate matching gifts
Tracking & Metrics
  • Email Open/Click Rates for Giving Tuesday appeals
  • Total Raised (new vs. returning donors, average gift size)
  • Engagement at recognition events
December
Theme/Focus: Goal Achievement
Key Tasks
  • Multi-Channel Giving Campaign
  • Example Language: “We’re counting down to December 31—every gift helps us reach our final goal!”
  • Challenge/Matching Gifts
  • Offer last-minute matching or challenge grants to spur urgency.
  • Real-Time Impact Updates
  • Weekly or even daily tallies: “We’re 75% to our goal—help us get there!”
  • Personal Outreach
  • Board/staff phone calls, handwritten notes, final “thank you” emails.
Social Media Topics
  • Week 1: Officially launch final Q4 appeal—tell a powerful story from Q3’s story bank
  • Week 2: Match opportunities, real-time totals
  • Week 3: Celebrate milestones—“We’re 80% to our goal!”
  • Week 4: End-of-year gratitude and reflection—“Here’s how far we’ve come together”
Events/Deadlines
  • December 31: Last day for calendar-year tax-deductible gifts
  • Could host a “Thank-You” Zoom to ring in the new year with top supporters
Tracking & Metrics
  • Daily/Weekly Giving Totals
  • New vs. Returning Donor Count
  • Recurring Donor Conversions
  • Donor Retention Rate (compare to last December)
Transforming Moments into Movements: Your Path Forward
The Seasons of Giving framework is a fundamental shift in how we think about nonprofit communication and community engagement. By aligning our storytelling with the natural cycles of human connection and generosity, we create deeper, more meaningful relationships that sustain our missions throughout the year.
The most powerful aspect of this framework is its ability to transform traditional donor relationships into true community partnerships. When we align our communications with the natural seasons of giving, we're not just asking for support—we're inviting our supporters to join a continuous journey of impact.
Making This Framework Your Own
As you begin implementing the Seasons of Giving framework, remember these essential principles:
  • Start Where You Are: You don't need to implement every aspect of this framework at once. Begin with the season you're in, focusing on the strategies that best match your organization's capacity and community needs. As you build momentum, you can gradually incorporate more elements of the framework.
  • Listen to Your Community: While these seasonal rhythms are universal, your specific community may have unique patterns of engagement. Pay attention to when and how your supporters naturally connect with your mission, and adapt the framework accordingly.
  • Measure What Matters: Beyond traditional metrics like donation amounts and email open rates, track the deeper indicators of community engagement—stories shared, relationships strengthened, and lives transformed. These qualitative measures often reveal the true impact of your seasonal strategy.
  • Stay Authentic to Your Mission: This framework should enhance, not replace, your organization's unique voice and approach. Use it as a guide to amplify your existing strengths while discovering new opportunities for connection.
Create Your Seasonal Content Calendar
Transform your nonprofit's storytelling with our ready-to-use content calendar template.
Organize Year-Round
Plan your entire year with pre-formatted seasonal sections for consistent engagement.
Track Metrics
Built-in tracking for donor engagement, email performance, and campaign success.
Get Started Now
Make a copy of our Google Sheet template and customize it for your mission.
Looking Ahead
The future of nonprofit communication lies not in louder appeals or more frequent asks, but in Remembering that every great movement began with a moment—a single story, a single connection, a single act of generosity. The Seasons of Giving framework helps you transform these moments into movements, creating a sustained rhythm of impact that grows stronger with each passing season.
Your journey begins with your next communication, your next story, your next invitation to engage. How will you use these seasonal rhythms to transform your community's connection to your cause?
The seasons are calling. Your community is waiting. The time to begin is now.
Ready to Tell Your Great Story?
Thank you for exploring the Seasons of Story Framework. Now is the time to transform your mission into compelling narratives that engage, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
Take Action Today:
Join Our Well Told Community: Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders who share their experiences, challenges, and successes in creating year-round engagement. Collaborate, learn, and grow together to maximize your impact.
Partner with Tellwell: Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your storytelling strategy, our team at Tellwell is here to support you every step of the way. From crafting powerful stories to implementing effective frameworks, we provide the expertise you need to succeed.
Let’s Create Lasting Change Together
Every great story has the power to inspire action. Let us help you tell yours. Together, we can create lasting change, one season at a time.
Finally, I'd love to know what you thought of this resource, email me anytime at max@wetellwell.com