Preparing for the 2026 Giving Challenge: FDF Team Provides Three Sessions to Help Organizations Succeed

The 2026 Giving Challenge is fast approaching, and hundreds of nonprofits across our region are already preparing for the 24-hour event on April 15–16. While the Giving Challenge happens in just one day, successful campaigns are the result of months of thoughtful planning, clear communication, and coordinated execution.

To support nonprofits in building strong campaigns, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosts a webinar series designed to help organizations prepare for every stage of the Giving Challenge. The Patterson Foundation’s Fueling Dynamic Fundraising consultants provided three sessions to guide participants from early campaign strategy all the way through day-of execution and donor stewardship.

Together, these sessions provided a practical roadmap to help nonprofits turn preparation into impact. Find recordings of the sessions here. 

Start with a Strategic Plan
Preparation began with the session “Set Your Organization Up for Giving Challenge Success,” held on October 28, 2025. Led by Josephine Eisenberg and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, the session helped nonprofits jump start their campaign planning using a six-month timeline.

Participants explored how to set a realistic fundraising goal, determine the central focus of their campaign, identify prize opportunities, and recruit a strong support team. Just as importantly, organizations were encouraged to think about how their Giving Challenge campaign fits within their broader fundraising strategy.

By the end of the session, participants had begun mapping out a clear roadmap for their campaign using the planning templates provided. 

Build a Clear and Compelling Communications Plan
With strategy in place, the next step was turning that plan into compelling outreach. The January 21, 2026, session, “Giving Challenge Campaign Communication Planning,” focused on helping nonprofits strengthen their messaging and maximize their reach.

Led by Jennifer Abbott, CAP, and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, the training walked participants through creating a streamlined communications plan that supports outreach before, during, and after the Giving Challenge.

Organizations learned how to tailor messages for different audiences, coordinate communications across email and social media, and keep messaging consistent throughout the campaign. Participants also received practical templates and a communications timeline designed to keep their outreach organized and focused as the event approaches.

Prepare for the Big Day and What Comes After
The final session, “Countdown to Impact,” held on February 4, 2026, helped nonprofits translate their plans into action. Led by Victoria Finley, CFRE, and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, the session focused on preparing organizations for the fast-paced nature of the 24-hour event.

Participants developed a detailed “run of show” for the 24 hours of the Giving Challenge, allowing teams to test their plans and identify potential gaps before the event begins. The session also encouraged organizations to begin stewardship planning early so they are ready to thank donors, share results, and continue building relationships after the event concludes.

Turning Preparation into Impact
While the Giving Challenge itself lasts just 24 hours, the preparation behind it reflects months of thoughtful work by nonprofits across our community. By focusing on strategic planning, clear communications, and intentional execution, organizations can position themselves to make the most of this unique opportunity.

For nonprofits participating in the 2026 Giving Challenge, the work underway now will help ensure that when April 15 arrives, they are ready not only to raise funds but also to deepen donor relationships and strengthen their long-term fundraising efforts.

Strengthening Giving During the 2026 Giving Challenge
In celebration of the 10th iteration of the Giving Challenge, The Patterson Foundation will strengthen giving during the 2026 Giving Challenge with a 1:1 match on all unique donations between $25 and $100 per donor, per nonprofit organization — with no cap on the number of individual matches from unique donors a nonprofit organization can receive.

The next Giving Challenge will take place April 15–April 16, 2026.