A Year-end Checklist for Nonprofit Leaders
We have all experienced the hectic nature of nonprofit work at the end of the year. At the same time the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is ramping up, there are many tasks nonprofits must be sure to complete – or spend time advancing – to start the new year off right.
A year-end checklist, one that you refine each year, can help you meet the hectic pace of December and begin 2024 feeling prepared and energized. Here are a few ideas to consider for yours:
1) Make sure your 2024 goals and benchmarks are clearly articulated to your volunteer leadership, staff and supporters. If you have a strategic plan (and you should) be sure to update the document. Congratulate your team on the progress they’ve made to-date and get everyone focused on the top priorities for the upcoming year.
2) Pay close attention to those final fundraising efforts (year-end campaign). Ten percent of annual giving happens in the last three days of the year, so be sure your appeals and reminders run up to and including New Year’s Eve! These solicitations can be created and scheduled for release well in advance of December 31.
3) Evaluate your highest performing fundraising campaigns completed over the last 12 months and create a fundraising plan for the new year. Set initial benchmarks and revenue goals that will put you on track to reach 2024 targets.
4) Review your financial position. Is your 990 filed? Have you completed an annual review of your fiscal process to confirm all your checks and balances are in order? Has your board approved the new budget? Take time to get your financial house in order.
5) Make sure your donors will have all the documentation they need for tax purposes, even those who give at 11:59 on December 31st. The IRS can be a stickler for what they demand as proof of donation, so confirm now that you are ready to generate proper documentation for non-cash and nontraditional gifts as well. If you have donors who have made income-generating gifts, be sure you are on track to deliver the reports their financial advisors will need.
6) Evaluate your team. Review the goals laid out in your strategic plan and consider the skills you will need to execute on them. Explore staffing options to fill any skill gaps. Nonprofit fractional staffing can be a comprehensive and affordable alternative to a part- or full-time hire. Learn more about it here.
7) Block off time for a breather. With so many things that need to be completed, reordered and prepared for the new year, it can be tempting to sneak some work into your year-end vacation or family time. My advice is: don’t. You and your team need to re-energize and refresh.
To explore whether a nonprofit fractional staff member or team could help your nonprofit achieve even greater success in the new year, schedule a complimentary, 20-minute consultation with me here.