Written by Jeff Bennett, Chief Innovation Officer
New Year’s resolutions are notorious for vanishing before the snow melts. Who can give up caffeine when the sun sets at 5 p.m.? Or spend more time in nature when it’s all gray and frozen?
For your consideration, here are three resolutions for Central Indiana nonprofits that are relevant year-round and which can all be accomplished indoors over coffee. Here’s to 2025 and a commitment to better nonprofit management!
1. Reflect on your mission and see if it still rings true
Does your mission statement still accurately describe what you do? Is it time to create (or update) a strategic plan? Is your case for general operating support several years old, without anything new for a potential donor to discover?
Have you strayed from your original mission to apply for a one-time funding opportunity? It’s not uncommon. We call this “mission drift,” and it can do more harm than good, especially when we direct novel funding to basic operations.
January is a perfect month to reflect on and refine your nonprofit’s reason for being.
That includes considering any advancements in technology that might strengthen your mission.
For instance, are you maintaining the same level of contact with donors as you were in 2020? A subscription to a quality AI writing assistant (e.g. Grammarly or ChatGPT) can dramatically increase your capacity for direct contact.
Take this time to recommit, and if necessary, recalibrate your mission.
2. Pay attention to trends in nonprofit policy
Readers of this newsletter already know that policy impacting nonprofits may soon be up for consideration at the federal and state levels. We must be as engaged and informed as possible.
Do you know your local, state, and federal representatives? Do they know you? If not, introduce yourself and build relationships with them. Let them know about the work you do and where your goals overlap. Most nonprofits could be doing more than they realize when speaking to their legislators. Consult this guide* from the Alliance for Justice detailing nonprofit law in Indiana (bear in mind that some regulations could soon change).
If anything does change, where will you hear about it? You obviously read Charitable Advisors. Do you read other in-depth, local reporting? Does your organization subscribe to The Chronicle of Philanthropy?
Use this time to get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the legal landscape surrounding nonprofits.
Which brings us to our final resolution…
3. Stay inspired, stay hopeful
We know: Easier said than done! Nonprofits are understandably anxious in 2025. But no matter the headlines or the policies, remember that Central Indiana communities still need your services and commitment.
So, what can you do to stay effective, passionate and optimistic? It isn’t hard to search for recommendations on ways to keep a clear head – limit screen time, get sleep, exercise, step outside (even if it’s gray and frozen, nature still works wonders for the soul).
Fortunately, our line of work has a special remedy all its own: Get to know more of your nonprofit peers! Our line of work is full of people who do what they do out of a passion for their Central Indiana community. Professional development opportunities are a great way to meet more of them. Being around passionate people has a way of rekindling our own passion.
Look for low- and no-cost development opportunities held in-person near you. United Way and Lilly School of Philanthropy are good resources for this.
No matter what is in store for 2025, our community will need us. So, whether you resolve to read the classics, get a gym membership, or use any of our suggestions, remember that, as a more effective nonprofit, any resolution has the potential to transform into lasting, positive change for Central Indiana.
*Please note that the information provided is general and educational in nature. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal, financial or tax advice. Central Indiana Community Foundation and its affiliates do not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult an attorney, financial advisor, or tax advisor regarding your specific legal, financial, or tax situation.
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