A Guide to Your December Communications
November 20, 2025
2025 is coming to a close — and with it comes the mad dash to grab donor attention during the critical year-end giving season.
In addition to telling stories of need, impact, and inspiration, many social good organizations are including advice about how new changes to the tax law create new incentives to give.
As you grind through the year-end push, here's our monthly guide on how you can leverage the calendar for your communications.
Dec. 1 – Rosa Parks Day
It's been 70 years since Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, an act of resistance that is central to the Civil Rights Movement. And 70 years later, there is still work to be done to advance racial equity and social justice. This day offers the chance to celebrate and recognize Parks’ impact, as well as highlight the important work your organization is doing to advance racial equity.
Dec. 2 – Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is one of the most important days of the year for social good organizations. Make sure you’re taking the time to highlight the impact of your organization and partner organizations, and offer opportunities for the community to get involved.
Dec. 2 – National Special Education Day
National Special Education Day commemorates the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures students with disabilities still receive access to free and appropriate public education. And with proposed cuts to federal funding for special education, it’s more important than ever to highlight initiatives and resources within your community regarding education access.
Dec. 3 – National Roof Over Your Head Day
National Roof Over Your Head Day raises awareness for people experiencing homelessness and encourages those who are able to donate or volunteer towards ensuring that everyone has access to adequate shelter. Take some time on this day to showcase initiatives at your organization, or partner organizations, geared towards affordable housing and homelessness.
Learn more about how community foundations are tackling affordable housing across the country, here.
Dec. 4 – Wildlife Conservation Day
Wildlife Conservation Day raises awareness and promotes the preservation of endangered species and their habitats. This day serves as an opportunity to share your organization's environmental and sustainability initiatives, as well as resources for how your community members can make a difference.
Dec. 6 – Mitten Tree Day
Mitten Tree Day encourages the donation and collection of mittens and other winter clothing for those in need, especially as the temperatures drop. Take some time to share clothing drives and other resources available in your community.
Dec. 13 – National Unity Day
National Unity Day celebrates diversity and promotes connection, kindness, and community building. On this day, individuals are encouraged to connect with others of different backgrounds, volunteer, and get involved in their community. This day serves as a great opportunity to showcase how your organization is bridging divides and bringing people together.
Dec. 13 – National Wreaths Across America Day
National Wreaths Across America Day honors those who have lost their lives in service by laying wreaths on their headstones. December also plays host to National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the surprise attack on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Both these days offer an opportunity to show appreciation to veterans for their service and share resources in your community for service members and their families.
Dec. 14 - Dec. 22 – Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah!
Dec. 15 – Bill of Rights Day
On this day in 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified. The Bill of Rights represents the first ten amendments to the Constitution and is meant to guarantee individual rights such as freedom of speech, press, and religion. This day serves as an opportunity for organizations to share resources and information related to civil liberties and encourage community members to get involved civically.
Dec. 21 – Winter Solstice & National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the official start to winter. It also serves as National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day, which honors those in the homeless community who passed away in the previous year. As the weather grows harsher, it’s more important than ever to share resources and services for food, shelter, clothing, job training, mental health support, and more for those experiencing homelessness.
Dec. 25 – Christmas
Merry Christmas!
Dec. 26 – National Thank You Note Day
National Thank You Note Day reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation. This serves as a perfect reminder to thank those who have contributed to your organization and its initiatives.
Dec. 26 - Jan.1 – Kwanzaa
Originating from the phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” Kwanzaa honors African heritage in African-American culture. Over the course of seven nights, people gather together to celebrate family, community, and culture through feasts, gift-giving, and the lighting of the Kinara.
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve
Time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. As 2025 comes to an end, we set our sights on the year ahead and the goals and intentions you want to achieve in 2026.
