I see this with mosdos every summer.
A donor may be away with his family. He may be traveling. He may have children or grandchildren around. The regular rhythm is off.
But the mosad still has needs. And the leader is left wondering whether to reach out, what to say, or whether to leave it alone until everyone is back.
This is where it is easy to get stuck. You know you should probably stay in touch, but you do not want it to feel like another fundraising conversation.
Summer does not mean the relationship is on hold. It means the contact has to fit the moment.
In the summer, I would not try to force the regular fundraising rhythm. I would use the time to keep the relationship, or the connection, warm.
And I would start with something small, thoughtful, and personal.
Just one small touchpoint that tells him:
I was thinking about you.
That could be as simple as an Erev Shabbos text: “Wishing you and your family a restful Shabbos. Hope the change of scenery is good for everyone.” Or it could be sharing something useful because you know where he is, who he is with, or what he cares about.
The point is not to create a fundraising moment. The point is to keep the connection warm in a way that fits his summer.
If the donor is the one traveling, think about what would be useful or meaningful for him while he is away. Maybe there is something his grandchildren would enjoy. Maybe there is someone who can help him where he is spending Shabbos.
The point is to notice his world, not just your need.
And if you are the one traveling, that can also become a natural opportunity. A postcard with a short personal note, or a picture with a warm message, can be enough. It does not have to be much.
These are not big things. But they show that you value the relationship and are thinking about him.
Before summer takes over, take a few minutes with your top donor list. Not the whole database. Just the people where the relationship really matters, or where the connection is important and a thoughtful touchpoint would be noticed.
For each one, ask yourself:
What does he care about?
Where will he be this summer?
What would be useful or meaningful to him?
What is simple enough that I will actually do it?
Then choose one touchpoint and make it happen.
It just needs to feel real.
Not because you are trying to get his attention, but because you are showing him that you are paying attention.
© 2026 Avraham Lewis & Co.