by Bryan Gonzalez

If you’re like me, you probably gave up on “no chocolate” or “three workouts a week” sometime around mid- to late-January.  New Year’s resolutions often begin with the best intentions, but quickly lose momentum when life gets busy.  

The interesting thing, though, is that while resolutions may fade, our daily habits don't.  Every day we invest our time somewhere.  The question isn’t whether we’re building habits – it’s whether we’re building the right ones.  And, just like in Liliana’s article, July is a great time to assess what worked the first 6 months of the year, and it’s not too late to adjust and make pivots to the second half of the year’s fundraising efforts.

First of all, did you have a fundraising or development plan?  If so, pull that off the shelf (or retrieve it from your digital file) and dust it off.  Next, schedule an appointment with your development team (maybe that means just yourself, but literally put it on your schedule!!), and read through it and see how you’re doing.  Make some recommendations, plan, then execute.

Actually, I’m serious:  did you stop reading and make an appointment with yourself on your calendar?

I’m waiting…

Okay, now we can move on. 

Now, let’s pivot to the second half of the year.  Perhaps, instead of making one big fundraising resolution, what if we committed to a few simple, repeatable actions?  Suggestions:

• Call one donor each day simply to say thank you;  
• Write a handwritten note every week; 
• Schedule one visit with a prospective supporter;
• Spend a few minutes learning something new about donor stewardship or planned giving. 

(A nod to the venerable Kirk Walden for harping on doing just 5-10% more than yesterday, than last month, than last year.)  

These aren’t dramatic goals, but over the course of a year they can transform relationships and, ultimately, results.  Successful fundraising has never been about a single campaign or one extraordinary event.  It’s about consistently showing donors – and subsequently, their donations – that they matter to the mission.  Every thoughtful conversation, every expression of gratitude, and every genuine connection strengthens the trust that inspires generosity.  It’s often seemingly tedious, and difficult when you’re juggling more than one hat!  (Perhaps it’s time to consider hiring a dedicated development person, either part-time or full-time, or at the least, you might need some concierge help!) 

As we move through the year, maybe it’s time to rethink New Year’s resolutions altogether.  Rather than chasing ambitious goals that disappear by February, focus on habits that become part of your everyday routine.  Small, consistent actions have a way of producing remarkable outcomes.  A year’s worth of thank-you calls creates stronger donor relationships;  regular visits uncover new opportunities; intentional stewardship builds lasting partnerships that advance your mission.

So, if your New Year's resolutions have already fallen by the wayside, don’t worry.  Today is a great day to begin a new goal, err…rather a habit – one that will strengthen your fundraising program long after the calendar turns to another January.

Practical Tip:

Did you really schedule that meeting with your fundraising team to go over your 2026 Fundraising Plan?  Doing so now will help you evaluate the remainder of 2026, as well as you can start planning for 2027!

**Do you have topics you’d like me to write on or have comments/feedback on my articles?  Send me an email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.**