Starting Strong: Gratitude & Strategic Planning for the New Year 🎯

Grants to Jumpstart Your 2025 💸

🎀 1. Saxena Family Foundation Grant
Focus: Funds programs focused on STEM education, empowering women in tech, and humanitarian efforts.
Amount: Varies depending on the project’s scope.
Deadline: Rolling submissions.
Pro Tip: Highlight innovative approaches to education and community development, especially programs supporting women in tech.
Apply Here

🎀 2. Kroger Community Grants
Focus: Supports local nonprofits focusing on food security, health, and stronger communities.
Amount: Varies.
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Pro Tip: Emphasize how your project aligns with Kroger’s mission to create healthier communities.
Apply Here

🎀 3. Emergent Fund Grants
Focus: Funds grassroots movements and projects led by communities of color fighting for justice and systemic change.
Amount: Up to $30,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
Pro Tip: Emphasize how your project is driven by the community and creates grassroots change.
Apply Here

🎀 4. Burkle Foundation Grant
Focus: Supports public policy, education, and humanitarian efforts that promote peace and understanding.
Amount: Varies.
Deadline: January 15, 2025.
Pro Tip: Focus on how your program addresses critical issues and has measurable impact on public well-being.
Apply Here

What’s Trending in the Nonprofit Sector 🔥

📊 Donor Engagement Through Storytelling
Nonprofits are moving beyond traditional fundraising appeals and leaning heavily into storytelling as a strategy to engage donors. Instead of focusing solely on data, more organizations are sharing personal stories that highlight the direct impact of their work. For example, instead of "We served 500 families," nonprofits are sharing individual success stories, making their impact more relatable and memorable.

🌍 Creative Corporate Partnerships Are Expanding
More businesses are seeking meaningful partnerships with nonprofits as part of their social impact strategies. From round-up donation campaigns at checkout to matching gifts and cause marketing collaborations, these partnerships are becoming more creative and effective. If you haven’t explored corporate collaborations yet, now is a great time to identify local businesses whose values align with your mission.

📈 Impact Dashboards Are on the Rise
Transparency is becoming a top priority for donors, and impact dashboards are gaining popularity as a tool to build trust. By showcasing real-time metrics like funds raised, volunteer hours, and people served, nonprofits can provide a clearer picture of their progress. Not only do dashboards build credibility, but they also motivate donors by showing how their contributions make a difference.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use simple graphics or charts to make your impact easy to understand at a glance—consider embedding one directly on your donation page!

Strategic Planning: Setting the Foundation for 2025 Success 🗂️

The start of a new year is the ideal time to focus on strategic planning. A clear plan can align your team, attract funding, and ensure that every effort is mission-driven.

Here’s how to create or refine your strategic plan:

1. Reflect on 2024
What worked? What didn’t? Gather input from staff, board members, and key stakeholders to assess last year’s achievements and challenges.

2. Set SMART Goals
Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example:
"Increase recurring donations by 20% by December 2025."

3. Identify Key Priorities
Focus on 3–5 core priorities for the year, such as increasing donor retention, launching a new program, or improving internal processes.

4. Create an Action Plan
Break down each priority into actionable steps with clear deadlines and responsible team members.

5. Monitor Progress Regularly
Schedule quarterly check-ins to review progress, adjust strategies, and celebrate milestones.

Pro Tip: Engage your board in the strategic planning process—they can provide valuable insights and help with accountability.

Join our Nonprofit Community Resources Facebook Group to connect with fellow nonprofit leaders, exchange event ideas, and get inspired by creative fundraising strategies.

Join the Group Here

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Wishing you a successful, impactful, and inspiring 2025! 🎉