I think it’s safe to say that many people, myself included, would call 2020 the weirdest, if not the worst, year of our lives. Given so much uncertainty in 2020, it can be hard to know where to start when approaching 2021. This past year has been a test of endurance for a lot of nonprofit organizations. In spite of pandemics, riots, and other 2020 calamities, your nonprofit can thrive in the new year. It’s possible for 2021 to be the really good year that followed a really bad one. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work to make this happen.
1. Be thankful for what you have
It can be so easy to get down when starting 2021 because of the difficulties we experienced in 2020. We’ve found that one of the best ways to fight through these negative feelings is to be thankful. As a leader of your nonprofit, you have much to be thankful for: Your team and/or supporters, those you help, and everyone else who has played a role in helping your nonprofit get to where it is today.
2. Realign your focus
Remember your nonprofit’s purpose. Don’t lose sight of why your organization exists just because 2020 may have thrown a wrench in the entire machine. It will be easier for you and your team to keep chugging along if you remind yourself that what you do is important and why your nonprofit is necessary.
3. Remember that you’re stronger because of 2020
As the saying goes, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Were there things you and your team learned in 2020 that you might not have learned under different circumstances? For example, you and your team have likely learned more about resilience and finding strength even in the tough times, in large part due to this past year.
4. Make the best of what you have
Even if your nonprofit took a serious hit in terms of donations and support in 2020, you’re still standing. If you have a much smaller budget than you did this time last year, narrow your focus by pinpointing the areas to direct your funds that will help you succeed in the new year. Fortunately, nonprofit marketing can be done relatively inexpensively.
5. Be realistically optimistic
Keep a positive attitude going into 2021. Optimism and realism aren’t mutually exclusive. You can have a realistic view of the state of your organization and the opportunities that are available while also being optimistic that things will get better.
This is about having an unwavering belief that things will work out in the end. It’s about having confidence in yourself, your team, and your supporters—no matter the challenges you face.
6. Have a plan, but be willing to be flexible
The tumultuous 2020 highlighted that plans are not set in stone. Sure, we all knew this beforehand, but this past year showed just how much our plans can get derailed. Still, this doesn’t mean we should approach 2021 without a plan—it just means we have to be willing to adjust that plan accordingly.