Donation Checklist for Year-End: Is Your Org Ready for Giving Season

Giving season is here. Is your organization actually ready to receive? 
 

The final stretch of the year is here — and December is the most generous month in Canada. Donors are more active, strategic gifts surge, and the pressure to meet year-end targets builds.

But here’s the problem: many charities miss out on significant gifts not because donors aren’t willing, but because the organization isn’t ready to receive them. 

Here’s a quick year-end readiness checklist to help you avoid that: 

1. Can donors give online — without jumping through hoops? 

Digital giving is no longer optional. If you’re still relying on cheques or mailed-in forms, you could be losing donors to friction. 

Pro tip: Make sure your website includes an easy, mobile-friendly way to give — ideally with multiple payment options. 

2. Do you have deadlines and receipting info clearly displayed? 

Donors giving near December 31 want to know: Will I get a receipt for this year? Make sure you’re crystal clear on: 

• Year-end cutoffs for receipting 

• Processing times for different payment types 

• Contact info for urgent questions 

3. Are you ready for non-cash gifts? 

Securities, crypto, and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) transfers are some of the most tax-smart ways Canadians give — especially at year-end. 

Ask yourself: 

• Can we receive gifts of securities before December 31? 

• Do we have instructions for DAF or foundation transfers? 

• What about cryptocurrency donations? 

If not, you may be unintentionally turning away major gifts. 

4. Are you offering more than one way to give? 

Not every donor wants to use a credit card. Especially this time of year, donors are thinking strategically — and want options that fit their situation. That might mean giving from a business, donating appreciated shares, or using a DAF. 

If your site only offers credit card and cheque… you’re likely missing out. 

5. Do your systems (and staff) know how to handle year-end volume? 

Don’t forget internal readiness. Can your team handle increased volume — and do they know how to respond to questions about complex gifts? 

Want to simplify your giving process?

With the GiveGenius button, you can add a full donation flow to your website — including allowing you to accept gifts of securities, crypto, DAFs and more  — without extra admin work. Learn more about GiveGenius.

Or book a 15-min walkthrough with Jessica to get set up in time for year-end.