Summer doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in stakeholder engagement, it just means rethinking how you show up. With packed travel schedules, out-of-office replies, and a general shift toward leisure, traditional outreach can easily get lost in the heat. But this seasonal lull is actually a prime opportunity to deepen relationships in creative, low-pressure ways. By leaning into how people are already spending their time, whether through outdoor experiences, quick touch points, behind-the-scenes access, or thoughtful, no-ask gestures, you can keep momentum going without pushing too hard. Here’s how to stay connected when everything else seems to pause.

Embrace the “overlap economy” by aligning your mission with the leisure activities your stakeholders already enjoy. Instead of competing with summer downtime, integrate into it. A conservation nonprofit in Colorado, for example, hosts a sunset hike and storytelling event in the Rockies, where supporters hear directly from field staff while taking in breathtaking views. It’s not just an update, it’s a shared experience that fits seamlessly into their outdoor summer lifestyle, making engagement feel like a meaningful extension of what they already love to do.

Join the micro-engagement movement by shifting from time-intensive asks to quick, meaningful touch points that respect stakeholders’ limited attention. Think five-minute bursts instead of full meetings like a 10-minute impact reading packet or a summer article with one-sentence board reflections. One New York children’s charity sends vibrant postcards highlighting small wins, offering supporters a quick, emotional connection without a heavy lift. These micro-moments keep engagement alive without overwhelming anyone’s vacation mindset.

Cultivate a behind-the-scenes vibe by swapping formal meetings for informal, insider glimpses into your summer operations. Whether it’s a walk-through of a new program, a peek at facility renovations, or a casual intro to summer interns, these moments offer authentic connection. One nonprofit charters a funk bus for donors to tour economic development sites, while another invites stakeholders to visit temporary housing for families battling cancer. It’s about making people feel included in the real work without the PowerPoint.

Embrace the “No-Ask, Just Connect” principle by reaching out to stakeholders with genuine, low-pressure touches that build goodwill without making an ask. Send a quick article with a “thought of you” note, thank someone for a specific contribution they made earlier in the year, or simply wish them a great summer, no strings attached. These small, sincere gestures spark connection and keep relationships warm. Summer isn’t a time to go quiet; it’s a chance to turn relaxed moments into lasting engagement through thoughtful, human touches.

Summer may shift the pace, but it doesn’t have to stall your mission or your relationships. By meeting stakeholders where they are, with light-touch, meaningful, and timely interactions, you can turn the seasonal slowdown into a period of steady connection and even unexpected momentum. Whether it’s through shared experiences, bite-sized updates, authentic glimpses behind the scenes, or simple gestures of appreciation, staying visible and thoughtful during the quieter months builds trust that lasts long after the sunscreen fades.