Need to fill some gaps in your editorial calendar? We have ideas for newsletters, social media, blog posts, and more. These writing ideas for May come from our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts email newsletter. Fill out the form below to get June’s prompts emailed to you next week.
Your Writing Prompts for May 2026
On the Calendar
5/1: National Mother Goose Day. Write a fairy tale or nursery rhyme about your nonprofit.
5/4: Star Wars Day. Who are the good guys and bad guys in your epic battle to make the world a better place? Who in your office is the naïve but brave Luke Skywalker, the cocky, but loyal Han Solo, the fierce Princess Leia, or know-it-all C-3PO? Incorporate other characters too like Ahsoka, Din Djarin, Grogu, Cassian Andor, Rey, Kylo Ren, Poe, Finn.
5/5: Cinco de Mayo. Though many seem to use it as an excuse to go out for Mexican and margaritas, this date is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, commemorating the Battle of Puebla. Note that it is NOT Mexican Independence Day, which is on September 16. Can you make any connections to the Mexican community, or to Mexican restaurants or services in your community?
5/6: National Teacher’s Day. Who are some of the great teachers in your field? Can you honor a teacher who is also a great volunteer or donor for your cause?
5/10: Mother’s Day. Do you have that certain someone who is a “mom” to all those in your organization? How can your supporters honor their mothers in a way that’s consistent with your cause? But be sensitive to those who may have lost their mothers.
5/16: Armed Forces Day. Does your cause have any connections to the military, or local military bases?
5/18: International Museum Day. Does your cause have a museum associated with it you could encourage people to visit? Or could you partner with a local museum? If not, create a virtual museum based on your mission.
5/24: National Scavenger Hunt Day. Can you create a scavenger hunt for your followers? It can be a digital one where they submit pictures or do quests based on your mission.
5/25: Memorial Day (US). Officially marks a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service to our country. Unofficially marks the beginning of summer.
5/28: Amnesty International Day. Is your organization involved with protecting human rights? Can you call on supporters to get involved with a related issue?
May also has:
- Asian American Month
- Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Haitian Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Bike Month
- National Pet Month
- National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
- Mental Health Month
- Older Americans Month
- Foster Care Month
- American Wetlands Month
- National Nurse’s Week (6th – 12th)
- National Women’s Health Week (10th – 16th)
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (17th)
- Victoria Day (Canada, 18th)
- Eid ul-Adha (27th)
- World No Tobacco Day (31st)
Metaphor of the Month
Pop Culture, Events, and News
Politics and administration policies will continue to dominate the U.S. news cycle.
The end of May is the unofficial start of summer, so you’ll see lots of discussion about outdoor and warm weather activities.
May is also the beginning of graduation season for high schools and colleges. What words of wisdom can you give seniors as they enter college or the workforce right now?
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks around the 5th.
The Kentucky Derby is May 2nd.
The Eurovision Song Contest starts the 12th.
The Cannes Film Festival also starts the 12th.
The French Open tennis tournament begins the 18th.
The last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air on Thursday, May 21.
The 52nd American Music Awards are on the 25th.
May TV premiers include Zillow Gone Wild, Lord of the Flies, The Other Bennet Sister, MIA, Amadeus, 90 Day Fiancé, Regular Show: The Lost Tapes, The Punisher: One Last Kill, The Face Doctors, Good Omens, Nemesis, Dutton Ranch, Rivals, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, The Boroughs, Rick & Morty, Spider-Noir, World War II with Tom Hanks, Brilliant Minds, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Criminal Minds: Evolution, Deli Boys, and The Four Seasons.
Movies coming out in May include The Devil Wears Prada 2, Animal Farm, The Sheep Detectives, Mortal Combat II, Obsession, Is God Is, In the Grey, Pressure, The Breadwinner, I Love Boosters, and The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Artists releasing albums this month include Mel C, Toadies, Josh Groban, All-American Rejects, Shinedown, and Paul McCartney
Source of the Month
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