Your Year in Review for Not-for-Profit Organisations – Professionally and Personally

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and take stock of how far your not-for-profit organisation has come. But this isn’t just about professional milestones—your personal journey matters too. Reflecting on both can provide valuable insights that fuel your future goals and keep your organisation thriving.

So, what’s the benefit of looking back? And how can you use those reflections to prepare for the year ahead?

Why Reflecting on the Year Matters

 Celebrate Wins, Big and Small

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of not-for-profit work, where there’s always something more to do. But when was the last time you took a moment to celebrate your successes? Reflecting allows you to acknowledge both big wins and small victories. Whether you launched a new program, exceeded a fundraising goal, or made an impact in your community, these achievements are worth celebrating.

By recognising these milestones, you also remind yourself and your team of what’s possible, even when challenges arise.

Learn from Challenges

Not everything goes according to plan all the time, and that’s okay! In fact its inevitable. Some of the most valuable lessons come from the bumps in the road. Taking the time to reflect on what didn’t work can provide the clarity needed to improve for next year.

Maybe a project didn’t deliver the results you’d hoped for, or a fundraising initiative fell short. Perhaps you didn't do so well work life balance or took on too much volunteer work, resulting in overwhelm. Reflecting on these moments can help you spot the reasons why and adjust strategies moving forward. It helps you to figure out where you want to improve and get you pointed in that direction.

Refuel Your Passion

Working in the not-for-profit sector is often about passion and purpose. Reflection reconnects you to the “why” behind your work. After a year of juggling all the things, it's important to pause and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. This reflection is just as important for your personal growth as it is for your professional achievements. All of the stuff must exist because of your why, not the other way around. Take the time, connect in and truly flip the lid on the overwhelm by driving forward from the why.

How to Reflect on the Year

Focus on the progress not the perfection!

In a not-for-profit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the distance between your current state and your long-term vision. However, when reflecting on the year, focus on how much you’ve achieved, even in small steps. Celebrate the progress and use it as momentum for the future.

 Professional Review: The Big Picture

Start by reviewing the major accomplishments and challenges your organisation faced over the past year. Ask yourself:

• What were the biggest highlights of the year?

• What initiatives or projects were the most successful? Why?

• Were there any goals you didn’t reach, and what can be learned from that?

• What feedback did you get from the community, donors, or your team that could shape future decisions?

Jot down what worked well and where there’s room for improvement. A clear understanding of these elements will help guide your planning for the next year.

Personal Reflection: Your Journey Matters Too

As a leader in the not-for-profit world, it’s easy to focus entirely on the organisation’s goals. But your personal growth is just as critical to your ability to lead. Take a moment to reflect on:

• How have you grown as a leader this year?

• What were the personal challenges or wins that shaped your journey?

• Did you maintain a good balance between work and life, or do you need to create healthier boundaries moving forward?

• How has your passion for the cause evolved, and what motivates you going into next year?

Personal reflection allows you to assess what’s working for you as an individual, helping you avoid burnout and reignite your passion for the cause.

Preparing for the Next Year

Setting Goals with Purpose

Once you’ve reflected on the past year, it’s time to start thinking ahead. How do you set goals that are not only achievable but also aligned with your mission and personal growth?

Set SMART Goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals ensure that your objectives are clear and actionable. Whether it’s increasing fundraising by 15% or expanding a community outreach program, make sure your goals are realistic and fit within your organisation’s broader mission.

Make Room for Flexibility

The not-for-profit sector can be unpredictable. While setting concrete goals is important, building flexibility into your planning allows for adjustments when circumstances change. Perhaps new funding opportunities arise mid-year, or unexpected challenges force you to pivot. By being adaptable, you can keep moving forward, even if the path changes.

Align Personal and Professional Goals

Your personal growth and your organisation’s success go hand in hand. When setting your goals for the upcoming year, consider how your personal aspirations align with your professional ones. For example, if you want to improve your leadership skills, consider attending professional development workshops or joining a peer network. Aligning personal and professional goals will give you a sense of direction that benefits both you and your organisation.

Engage Your Team in the Process

Goal setting isn’t a solo exercise. Involve your team in the process to create a shared vision for the next year. This collaboration fosters buy-in and ensures that everyone is working toward the same objectives. Hosting a goal-setting workshop or retreat can be a great way to energise your team and get them excited about what’s to come.

The end of the year is a natural time to reflect, but it’s also an opportunity to reset and recharge. By taking stock of both professional achievements and personal growth, you can enter the new year with a clear vision and a sense of purpose.

Every year we do this process together in Community Leaders Academy, join us today to ensure you round out the year, reflect on what worked, learn from what didn’t, and prepare for the future with intention. With clear goals and a renewed sense of passion, your not-for-profit can continue to make an even greater impact in the coming year.