New Year Resolutions for Better Fundraising: 7 Simple Strategies to Start Strong

The new year is the perfect time to refocus your fundraising. Whether you’re managing a small nonprofit or building donation websites for clients, now’s the time to set clear, simple goals that can help you raise more money all year long.

Here are seven easy-to-follow resolutions that can help improve your fundraising results — without overwhelming your team.

1. Connect with your donors more often

Most donors don’t just want to give — they want to feel involved. Resolve to connect with your supporters in ways that build real donor relationships. Share updates. Celebrate wins. Thank them in creative ways. When people feel connected, they’re more likely to keep giving.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Send one donor appreciation email per month
• Make one phone call per week to thank a donor
• Share one success story or update every two weeks
• Use your donor CRM to segment and personalize outreach

Say thank-you in writing: Letters are a great way to recognize donors and foster a long-term relationship. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips for writing a donor thank you letter.

2. Post more on social media

Many nonprofits post only when they need donations. But the best results come when you stay visible. A good rule of thumb is to post 5–6 updates for every donation ask. Share stories, volunteer highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. It keeps your cause top of mind.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Post 3–5 times a week on your most active platform
• Schedule posts using free tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite
• Use a monthly theme or campaign to guide your content
• Ask one staff member or volunteer to help collect stories and photos

3. Start (or restart) your blog

A blog helps tell your story in more depth — and it helps with SEO too. Share the impact of your work. Answer common donor questions. Highlight people behind the mission. Not sure where to begin? Start with one post a month. As you build momentum, you can increase your pace.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Set a goal to publish one blog post each month
• Choose a theme for each quarter (e.g., volunteer stories, impact reports)
• Repurpose social media content into blog posts
• Ask guest writers (board members, staff, volunteers) to contribute

4. Refresh your email newsletter

If your newsletter hasn’t changed in a while, it’s time for a refresh. Shorter, more focused content usually performs better. Try highlighting one story, one upcoming event, and one way to get involved. Add images and links that are easy to click.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Review your last 3 newsletters and remove low-performing sections
• Create a new template that features 3–4 quick sections max
• Add a donor spotlight or success story each quarter
• Test sending on different days/times to improve open rates

Are you telling your story the right way? We’re breaking down the art of storytelling — and how it can inspire people to give. Read it here.

5. Plan one major campaign

A strong annual campaign — like Giving Tuesday or a spring appeal — can bring in a big boost of support. Choose one major moment this year and build a full plan around it. Set a clear goal. Share progress updates. Use email, social media, blog posts, and direct outreach to make it a success.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Choose your key campaign date now and block it on your calendar
• Set a fundraising goal and identify your audience
• Create a dedicated campaign page to focus your fundraising efforts
• Make a 4–6 week campaign timeline with weekly milestones
• Assign roles for content creation, outreach, and follow-up

6. Try 4–5 smaller campaigns, too

Not every campaign has to be big. Smaller, targeted campaigns keep donors engaged and can bring in steady support. Think of seasonal drives, matching gift days, or community challenges. Use Give’s tools to set up donation forms and track results easily.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Plan 4 mini campaigns tied to seasons or events (spring, back-to-school, etc.)
• Use matching gifts or donor challenges to boost excitement
• Keep campaigns short (1–2 weeks) with a clear goal
• Highlight one specific story or impact area for each campaign

Want more ways to fundraise quickly? Get started today with these 14 easy fundraising ideas.

7. Build your volunteer base

Volunteers can become your best fundraisers. They share your story, invite others to give, and often donate themselves. Make it easy for new people to help — even in small ways. Then celebrate and thank them so they stay involved.

Example fundraising resolutions:

• Create a simple volunteer interest form on your website
• Ask volunteers to share your campaign on social media or email
• Host one volunteer appreciation event or Zoom call this year
• Feature one volunteer each month in your newsletter or social posts

Maximize your fundraising on WordPress. Check out our complete guide to fundraising on WordPress and see how easy it is to power forms, reporting, and donor management — all while providing a seamless experience for supporters.

Make this your most effective fundraising year yet

Fundraising success doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from setting clear goals, focusing on what works, and building strong relationships. Start with one or two of these resolutions, and build from there.

With the right tools and a simple plan, your nonprofit can raise more and do more — starting now.