Beyond personal goals, the start of a new year offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we can make a meaningful difference in our communities and the world.
For philanthropists, big and small, crafting New Year’s resolutions for your giving can help ensure your impact is thoughtful, strategic, and aligned with your values. Here are five resolutions to consider as you shape your philanthropic journey in 2025.
Feature image (L–R): Members of our giving community at our 2024 End of Year Lunch at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
1. Align Giving with Your Values
The most fulfilling philanthropy often stems from causes that deeply resonate with your personal values. Take time to reflect on the issues that matter most to you. Start by revisiting your mission statement – or create one if you don’t have one yet. A clear vision will guide your efforts and help you make decisions that align with your goals.
2. Set SMART Goals for Your Giving
Effective philanthropy is built on clear and measurable objectives. Adopt the SMART framework to guide your efforts: make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of a broad aim like “support education initiatives,” you might resolve to “fund scholarships for 10 students from underrepresented communities by the end of 2025.” SMART goals provide focus and accountability, helping you track progress and celebrate milestones.
3. Explore Collaborative Giving
In 2025, consider joining forces with others to amplify your impact. Collaborative giving – such as pooling resources through giving circles or partnering with other donors—can increase the reach of your contributions and foster a sense of community. At Australian Communities Foundation, for example, fundholders often collaborate to tackle complex issues that require collective action through initiatives like the Impact Fund. By working together you can achieve more than you might alone while also learning from the experiences of others.
4. Prioritise Learning and Feedback
The philanthropic landscape is ever-evolving and staying informed is essential to making a difference. Commit to learning more about the causes you support and seek feedback from the communities you aim to help. Attend webinars, read reports, and engage directly with nonprofit leaders to deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in your focus areas. This continuous learning will empower you to adapt your strategies and increase the effectiveness of your giving. Explore Events and News & Resources
5. Build a Legacy of Impact
Think long-term as you plan your philanthropy. How do you want your giving to shape the world in 10, 20, or even 50 years? Consider using a giving structure like your own donor-advised fund, to sustain your impact over time. Legacy planning not only ensures your contributions endure but also inspires future generations to carry forward your commitment to positive change.
A Fresh Start for a Meaningful Year
By aligning your efforts with your values, setting clear goals, collaborating with others, prioritising learning, and planning for the future, you can create lasting, meaningful impact in 2025 and beyond.
Looking for support with putting these tips into action?
Our team is here to help. Contact us for a conversation.
