The Seasons of Humanity program is for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan affiliates wishing to develop a year-round engagement model using tools and materials that affiliates will be able to customize for their local region.
The templates in the far right column are offered as a starting point and are fully customizable by the affiliate. Please note that some of the documents use "Lorem Ipsum" text as dummy placeholder text for whatever it is you wish to insert. More templates will be added as time goes on. Please download the Guide for Planning Year-Round Events at right for a more detailed listing of possible events.
The Seasons of Humanity program, outlined below, is based on quarterly engagement processes centered around donors.
A Season of Gratitude – (approximately January 1 – March 31)
This season highlights recognition of volunteers, donors, legislators, board and staff. Events include, but are not limited to, the Annual Awards Banquet with the SSO. Suggested activities:
- A thank you letter sent out to your volunteers, donors, legislators from your board of directors/top volunteers.
- General updates on your work and the ability to get things completed through their involvement.
- Coordinated materials would share a themed ‘season of gratitude’
A Season of Informing – (approximately April 1 – June 30)
This season would be dedicated to providing your donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, foundations with general knowledge of what your affiliate has accomplished locally, regionally, statewide and globally. Suggested activities:
- Generate an ‘annual report’ summary of activities for your constituents (# families served, # volunteers and hours served, etc.)
- Upcoming activities that could promote the work of Habitat for Humanity, like banquets, educational events, promotional activities, etc.
- Creative use of social media to inform and educate supporters.
A Season of Building – (approximately July 1 – September 30)
This season would highlight the work of Habitat builds across the state, in each region and within every county. Suggested activities:
- Invite donors, corporate sponsors and their families to various projects.
- Circulate materials that highlight stories of families, builds, rehab projects, etc. to better engage donors.
- Create events that provide opportunities that highlight your impact (house dedications, a tour of Habitat homes, strolling dinner event, Women’s Build, celebrity build, etc.)
A Season of Giving – (approximately October 1 – December 31)
This season would be dedicated for soliciting funds. Suggested activities:
- Affiliate direct mail efforts
- Create events where fund raising is highlighted (annual fund dinner; fund raising themed events; individual donor meetings; challenge grant fund opportunities; targeted requests)
