A new year brings a new opportunity for reflecting on how you’ve been doing and making a plan for continuous improvement. Consider these six recommendations as you optimize your efforts going forward…

Poorly Communicating Your Value or Impact 

Vague mission statements and unclear goals make it hard for donors to see real outcomes. Define success with clear KPIs, then translate them into donor-facing impact pieces or stories. Consider a brand-heart refresh or partner with a creative team to bring your story to life in a more vibrant, engaging way.

Not Thinking Ahead Holistically 

Ask what the next 12 months look like, then build a comprehensive communications strategy that unites your objectives, audiences, channels, campaigns/milestones, and ongoing projects. This single, shared document helps turn chaos into coordination across your organization.

Having a Bad Website

We’ve all seen it: über-verbose pages, unresponsive layouts, confusing navigation, slow load times, and unclear calls to action. Your site should showcase your brand, story, and purpose — and make it easy to give, sign up, and contact you. Prioritize mobile responsiveness, clear pathways, and fast performance.

One-Size-Fits-All Communication

Blasting every segment with the same email or post virtually guarantees disengagement over time. Personalize your messaging by donor type, interest, and user journey. Treat your social media more like a conversation than a megaphone — ask questions, respond quickly, and invite participation, not just clicks.

Ignoring the Numbers

Don’t rely on your gut alone. Review CRM and donor data, email and web analytics, and campaign results regularly. Use insights to adjust your messaging, timing, and asks. Small optimizations compound into real revenue!

Neglecting Your Champions

Acquisition is expensive, but retention pays. Start by identifying your most-engaged supporters (champions), then thank them personally and demonstrate the real-world difference their contributions are making. Build touchpoints like impact reports, behind-the-scenes photos, and special events to deepen those long-term relationships.

BONUS: Failing to Diversify Revenue Streams

It’s no secret that this year has been rough for many nonprofits and companies alike. Economic and geopolitical shifts can especially strain organizations that run a single-source funding model. Balance out your income streams via grants, events, major gift campaigns, monthly giving, and corporate partnerships to reduce risk and stabilize your budget.

Want expert help avoiding these pitfalls in 2026? GPC’s Creative Team Subscription brings strategy, design, web, and content under one roof so you can communicate clearly and grow sustainably. Let’s build your plan and execute it together.