New Year’s Resolutions for Nonprofits

A new year means new goals and a chance to make an even bigger impact! Now’s the perfect time for nonprofits to refocus and recharge to maximize their fundraising results.

From fine-tuning your data to strengthening donor relationships, these 7 New Year’s resolutions will set you up for success.

Let’s dive in!

Optimize Data and Set SMART Goals

Before you can reach new heights, you need a solid foundation. Laying the groundwork begins with your data!

Analyzing your donor data will help you determine what approach works best for your organization, what messaging resonates the most with your supporters, and areas for improvement.

Defining SMART goals helps you set clear, actionable objectives toward measurable success.

Here’s a quick overview to get you started:

Specific: Choose a concrete fundraising objective.
Measurable: Set relevant key performance indicators that you’ll use to track your progress.
Achievable: Ensure your goal makes sense based on your nonprofit’s past performance.
Relevant: Pick a goal that will promote your fundraising success.
Time-based: Create a timeline for completing the tasks associated with your goal.

SMART goals can be applied to almost any objective, perhaps your data is telling you that 85% of your major event attendees aren’t recurring donors. A SMART goal to help you address this untapped source of additional revenue would look like:

Specific: Increase the number of major event attendees who become recurring donors by developing and implementing a targeted follow-up strategy.
Measurable: Convert at least 15% of major event attendees into recurring donors.
Achievable: Leverage existing event attendee data and provide clear options for easy recurring donation sign-ups.
Relevant: Increase sustainable funding and build long-term relationships with supporters by retaining a higher number of recurring donors.
Time-based: Achieve the conversion rate within the next 12 months.

Your SMART goal: By the end of the next 12 months, we will convert at least 15% of major event attendees into recurring donors by implementing a targeted follow-up strategy and utilizing personalized communications to foster long-term engagement.

Strengthen and Cultivate Donor Relationships

Turn your donors into your biggest fans! Plan for ways to deepen your relationship with donors in 2025, or even extend your efforts to include corporate partners.

In our latest Giving Experience study, 65% of social donors emphasized connection to an organization’s mission as a motivation for giving, so it’s important to keep your supporters updated with your nonprofit’s goals.

Here are a few ideas to foster valuable relationships:

Monthly newsletters: Email regular updates to keep your donors informed and appreciated throughout the year.
Donor engagement surveys: Show supporters that you value their opinions to increase long-term loyalty.
Regular donor spotlights: Celebrate your donors by featuring them in newsletters, blogs, or social media posts.

Incorporate these strategies to cultivate deeper connections and increase your organization’s donor retention.

Plan and Host a Giving Day

One of the most impactful ways to rally support this year is by planning to host a Giving Day – a 24-hour giving frenzy that could coincide with a special date.

Here’s a quick overview of planning your Giving Day:

Pick a date: Choose a day that holds value to your cause, this could be a local or national awareness day, your organization’s anniversary, or an end-of-year event.
Plan the campaign: Determine how you will connect with supporters and collect donations.
Spread the word: Strategize your marketing and communication efforts to encourage participation.
Plan an event: Host a fundraising event to rally supporters and boost momentum.
Overcommunicate: Keep your supporters updated on your fundraising progress to drive engagement.
Follow-up: Thank donors for their participation and how the proceeds raised will help your mission.

Consider Giving Days as an opportunity to tap into different generations. With 39% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennial social donors reporting to have donated on a giving day, it’s evident these campaigns resonate with younger generations. Regardless of your target audience, a well-planned Giving Day can bring together your community to celebrate your cause!

Find the Right Fundraising Event Software for You

With donor expectations constantly evolving, is your fundraising software keeping pace?

In our latest study with over 1,000 social donors, ease of giving was ranked as a key factor when choosing whether or not to donate to a cause. Invest in a trusted fundraising software partner now to start the year with the right tools and make donating to your cause quick and easy.

We’ve outlined four key considerations to help you choose the best platform for your events.

Budget: Choose software that offers different plan options fit for your nonprofit’s needs and budget.
Necessary features: Focus on innovative tools that will meet your nonprofit’s specific needs such as AI tools to save time, Suggested Sort to maximize bidding, or Event Readiness to guide your team to success.
Integrations: Ensure smooth workflows by choosing a platform that integrates seamlessly with your current tech stack.
Tech experience: Prioritize a user-friendly platform and look for a solution that offers free training, online resources, and ongoing support.

Innovative tools can boost your event revenue, make planning smoother, and provide a better donor experience to reach your goals quicker this year.

Actively Engage Supporters Online

The average person spends over 2 hours per day on social media, meanwhile, 31% of social donors reported finding out about a donation opportunity through social media. This all creates a huge opportunity for your organization to boost brand awareness and encourage donations.

Now’s the time to create a strategy focused on consistently posting and interacting with supporters online to strengthen your digital presence.

Here are a few content ideas for your nonprofit:

Testimonials: Collect impactful words from donors, volunteers, or beneficiaries to showcase the importance of supporting your organization.
Appreciation posts: Thank volunteers or corporate partners for supporting your cause by donating their time or offering sponsorships.
Donor recognition: Share thank-you messages to long-time supporters or major donors to make them feel recognized and valued.
Day-in-the-life: Post videos showcasing behind-the-scenes of your organization, whether it’s preparing for an event or a daily routine to build a personal relationship.

Use your social platforms to connect with your community beyond events. Comment on your tagged photos or like any relevant posts associated with your cause. Your goal is to keep your organization top of mind throughout the year!

Educate Donors on Giving Options

Part of the purpose of New Year’s resolutions is to be intentional about your nonprofit’s growth and improvement. Educating donors about different giving opportunities will empower them to give in ways that maximize their impact and yours!

Inform your donors of the following giving options:

Recurring giving: Donors automatically contribute a set amount regularly to your nonprofit; this could be monthly or annual donations.
Employer matching gifts: Companies often offer matching gift programs to double their employee donations. A donor can request for their donation to be matched through this benefit.
Donor-advised funds (DAFs): Donors set up a charitable investment account, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to charities over time.
Planned giving: Donors commit larger future gifts, often through wills or trusts.

By educating donors on endless giving options, you’re not only helping your donors contribute more strategically to causes they care about, but you’re also strengthening your nonprofit’s ability to sustain and amplify your mission.

Leverage Free Fundraising Resources

One of the easiest ways to grow your impact throughout this year is by staying up to date with the latest fundraising tools and strategies.

Make it a priority to engage with valuable resources like webinars, product update videos, and other available fundraising content to help your organization’s efforts all year long.

Check out other resources to kick off your year strong:

How to Use Your Year-End Fundraising Momentum into the New Year: Follow this 7-step strategy to effectively keep your fundraising momentum going into the new year.
From Year-End Wins to New Year Goals: Strategic Insights for Fundraising Success: Watch our on-demand webinar to explore emerging trends and practical ways to ensure sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond.
Boost Support with Corporate Sponsorships for Nonprofits: Maximize your corporate sponsorship outreach opportunities with this guide.