For small charities, especially those without a formal strategy, the end of the year often feels like a whirlwind of activities—fundraising, events, and trying to wrap up loose ends. But taking time to reflect on the past year can be one of the most valuable steps in setting your charity up for success in 2025.
Here’s why—and how to get started, even if you’ve never done it before.
1. Why reflection matters
Without reviewing your year, it’s hard to know what’s really working and where you might be wasting precious time or resources. A simple review can help you:
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
- Understand what worked and what didn’t, so you don’t repeat mistakes.
- Plan ahead with clear priorities and goals for the year to come.
For small charities, reflection doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A few hours of focused thinking can make a big difference.
2. Start with the basics
If you’re unsure where to begin, focus on these three key areas:
Your activities
What did your charity do this year? List your events, campaigns, or initiatives. Ask yourself:
- Which activities brought the most benefits to the people or causes you support?
- Were there activities that took up too much time or money for little return?
Your supporters
Your donors, volunteers, and community are the cornerstone of your charity. Ask yourself:
- Did you grow your supporter base this year?
- Did you engage with them regularly (e.g., newsletters, social media)?
- Who are your most loyal supporters, and how can you show them appreciation?
Your finances
Understanding your financial position is crucial, even if you don’t have a full-time finance team. Ask yourself:
- Did you raise enough funds to cover your activities?
- Which fundraising methods were most successful?
- Are there new opportunities to explore in 2025?
3. Simple tools to help you reflect
You don’t need fancy software or a big team to do a review. Try these:
- A whiteboard or flipchart: Brainstorm ideas with your trustees or volunteers.
- A spreadsheet: List your activities, income, and outcomes in a simple table.
- Surveys: Ask your supporters for feedback using free tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey.
4. Use reflection to plan for 2025
Once you’ve reviewed your year, you’ll have a clearer idea of where to focus your efforts. Start small and realistic:
- Set 1-3 priorities: Choose areas where you want to improve or grow in 2025.
- Create a simple calendar: Plan key dates for fundraising, campaigns, or events.
- Look for help: Consider reaching out to local businesses, volunteers, or other charities for support.
5. The benefits of starting early
By reflecting now, you’ll avoid last-minute stress in January. Instead of reacting to challenges, you can start the year with a clear plan and more confidence.
Even a small charity can achieve big things with thoughtful planning. Taking time now can set you up to make an even bigger impact in 2025.
Conclusion
Reviewing your year doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can be transformative. This simple step can help you celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and plan a brighter future.
So, gather your team, and start reflecting—your 2025 self will thank you!
