The Monthly Leap - August 2026

Hi there!

Is it just me or did July pass us in a blink of an eye?! For me, August always seems to bring a shift in energy. Summer isn't quite over, but many of us are already looking ahead to fall. Calendars begin filling up, events are on the horizon, and planning for the rest of the year starts to take shape.

For nonprofits, that often means balancing today's priorities while preparing for what's next. Whether you're planning a year-end appeal, gearing up for a major event, or laying the groundwork for a capital campaign, it can be challenging to keep everything moving forward.

This month, I've been thinking about how we prioritize our time and attention, and why the work that feels less urgent is often the work that has the greatest long-term impact.

Keep reading to find out:

• What’s on Rikki’s mind: Don't let urgency overshadow consistency

• Tip of the month: Start planning for year-end now

• What’s coming up

• What’s bringing us joy

I hope this post is a little spot of joy in your month!

Rikki

What's on Rikki’s mind?

One of the things I've been thinking about lately is how easy it is to let the most urgent work become the only work we focus on.

We all know the feeling. A major event is coming up. A new program is launching. A strategic planning session is around the corner. Or maybe you're preparing for a capital campaign. These big initiatives naturally demand our attention, and they should.

But sometimes, without realizing it, they begin to crowd out the work that's just as important - only a little less immediate.

This time of year is a great example.

August can feel like there's still plenty of time before year-end, but in the nonprofit world, the calendar moves quickly. Before long, you'll be finalizing year-end appeals, scheduling communications, planning donor outreach, and preparing for one of the busiest fundraising seasons of the year.

If your organization is also planning a capital campaign or another significant initiative, it can be tempting to assume you'll turn your attention to annual fundraising once the bigger project is under control.

The reality is, your annual fundraising doesn't become less important because something bigger is on the horizon.

In many ways, it becomes even more important.

Your annual fund keeps your mission moving every day. It's what allows you to serve your community, respond to emerging needs, and continue building relationships with the donors who make your work possible. A campaign may help you invest in the future, but annual giving sustains the work happening today.

I've found that the organizations that navigate campaigns most successfully are the ones that continue investing in those everyday donor relationships along the way. They don't stop telling stories. They don't stop thanking donors. And they don't wait until November to think about their year-end fundraising.

The strongest organizations recognize that annual fundraising and campaigns aren't competing priorities - they're complementary ones. The relationships you nurture through annual fundraising are often the very relationships that make a successful campaign possible. That's why continuing to invest in those relationships - even when your attention is pulled in other directions - is one of the most important things you can do.

Tip of the month

One simple way to protect those important (but maybe not always urgent) relationships is to begin planning your year-end appeal now.

You don't need to have every detail finalized, but you can start gathering the pieces that will make your appeal more meaningful. Think about the stories you've collected this year. What moments best demonstrate your mission? Which donor, volunteer, or client stories illustrate the impact you've made? What successes are worth celebrating?

If you're also preparing for or in the midst of a capital campaign, spend a little time thinking about how your year-end appeal and campaign can complement one another. Your campaign may focus on a vision for the future, while your year-end appeal reminds donors of the impact they're making today. Together, they tell a more complete story about your organization and why your mission matters.

A little planning now gives you the freedom to be more intentional later. Instead of scrambling to write an appeal in November, you'll have the time to tell meaningful stories, communicate with clarity, and create an experience that reminds donors why they choose to support your organization year after year. 

What's coming up?

• On August 17, the LEAP team is participating in The John Prodoehl Memorial Golf Outing to benefit Door2Dreams. While our golf skills may be subpar (get it?!), we sure have a lot of fun supporting our nonprofit partners! 

• One of the most rewarding parts of our work is watching a vision move from planning to reality. On August 24, we'll be celebrating alongside Door2Dreams as they break ground on the Berard Gathering Lodge. It's been a privilege to walk alongside their team throughout this journey, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this exciting milestone with them. If you're local, we hope you'll join us at noon on the corner of Maria Drive and Union Street in Stevens Point!

• Ask Us Anything Office Hours on August 27. Every nonprofit has questions, and sometimes it's helpful to simply talk them through. Whether you're thinking about year-end fundraising, board engagement, donor relationships, or something completely different, join us for a casual conversation where we'll tackle what’s on your mind. No slides, no recordings, and no pressure - just real conversation and practical ideas to help you move forward. Register here.

• Registration is now open for Mid-State Technical College’s Nonprofit Leadership Institute, which I'm excited to co-facilitate this fall with Sarah Ross, who you may know from her work with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin! Beginning Thursday, September 10, this eight-session course is designed for nonprofit professionals, board members, and emerging leaders who want to strengthen their leadership and their organizations. 

What’s bringing us joy

CHELSEY

Summer always makes me crave ice cream, but I'm also trying to be more intentional about getting enough protein. I recently discovered these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream Bars, and they've become one of my favorite summer treats. They're easy to make, refreshing, and satisfy that ice cream craving without feeling like a compromise.

And before you question the cottage cheese...don't! Once everything is blended together, you'd never know it's there (my kids don't either!). If you're looking for a healthier summer dessert that's both delicious and filling, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

ANDREA

In the last couple of weeks, I closed on my very first house! What specifically brings me joy, is the kitchen floors. The floors are wooden and the previous owner painted a black checkered pattern on them. I love it so much!

My brother came to see the house and immediately talked about how easy it would be to sand down and refinish the floors, and my mouth dropped open. He claims that he didn't realize that they were painted and that sanding them would ruin them, but I don't know if that is true...All I know is that no one is touching my cute floors with a sander!