New Year’s Resolutions for Nonprofits — and Tips to Make Them Work
Whether you want to sharpen your leadership, fundraising, or grant-seeking skills this year, here is guidance on how to improve.
January 8, 2025 | Read Time: 1 minute
There’s something about the new year that’s inspiring. It’s a time to get a fresh start, learn new skills, and improve on what you already know. Here are some ideas for nonprofit New Year’s resolutions to make this year a success — and links to advice on how to achieve these goals in 2025.
Donors Big and Small — and How to Keep Them
I want to …
- attract more big donations.
- expand the number of small-dollar donors who give to us. (Here are more tips.)
- do a better job of hanging on to donors — including those who give spontaneously.
- get our board more involved in raising money
- hold more fundraising events — but we’re on a tight budget
Data and Reporting
I want to …
- do a better job of collecting data to show what we’re accomplishing.
Donor-Advised Funds and Planned Gifts
I want to …
- raise more money from donor-advised funds.
- know more about people who give to us through donor-advised funds — especially when the gifts seem anonymous. (Here are more tips.)
- find a way to get more from bequests and other planned gifts.
Grant Seeking
I want to …
- raise more money for general operating support.
- do a better job of writing grant proposals — including the budget section.
- get more grants from community foundations.
Leadership
I want to …
- do a better job of managing my leadership role. (Here are more tips from other leaders.)
- improve my ability to lead through difficult times.
Work and Careers
I want to …
- find a new nonprofit job.
- attract more good talent to join our staff.
- hire a consultant, but I don’t know where to start.
