Setting Nonprofit Goals for 2026: Do the Hard Things That Move You Forward

If there’s one word that defined 2025 for nonprofits, it was change.

Revenue streams shifted. Donor behavior evolved. Costs increased. Long-standing assumptions about giving, engagement, and sustainability were tested — sometimes painfully. For many organizations, the past year brought more change than they’d experienced in decades.

And as we step into 2026, one thing is clear: the landscape isn’t going back to “the way it was.”

Giving trends are tightening. Donors are more thoughtful, more selective, and more values-driven than ever before. They still want to give — but they want clarity, trust, and meaning behind their generosity.

So the question for nonprofit leaders isn’t how do we survive this year?
It’s how do we move forward with intention and confidence?

Staying Ahead of Change Starts with Facing Reality

The strongest organizations don’t ignore shifts — they study them.

That means being honest about what worked in the past and what no longer does. It means recognizing when a fundraising model needs to evolve, when communication needs to be clearer, or when leadership needs to lean in more visibly.

Avoiding change doesn’t protect your mission. Addressing it does.

2026 is the year to stop hoping things “settle down” and start building systems that can withstand uncertainty.

Do the Hard Things You’ve Been Putting Off

Every nonprofit leader knows — deep down — what hard conversations or changes they’ve been avoiding.

Maybe it’s:

• Finally creating a real fundraising plan

• Clarifying roles between staff and board

• Letting go of tactics that drain energy but don’t drive results

• Asking for leadership-level gifts with confidence

• Investing in systems instead of operating reactively

These are not easy moves. But they are necessary ones.

Growth rarely comes from comfort. It comes from choosing courage, clarity, and consistency — especially when resources feel tight.

Figure Out Fundraising and Embrace It

Fundraising isn’t something to endure. It’s something to understand.

Organizations that struggle most are often those that treat fundraising as an obligation instead of a skill — something they have to do rather than something they can learn to do well.

In 2026, make the decision to embrace fundraising once and for all:

• Learn what motivates your donors

• Build relationships, not just campaigns

• Focus on stewardship as much as solicitation

• Shift from one-off efforts to sustainable strategies

When fundraising is demystified, it becomes empowering — not intimidating.

Build Systems and Habits That Make the Work Easier

The goal isn’t to work harder. It’s to work smarter.

Strong nonprofits rely on systems, habits, and rhythms that reduce burnout and increase impact:

• Regular donor touchpoints

• Clear messaging and storytelling frameworks

• Consistent gratitude practices

• Predictable planning cycles

• Simple dashboards to track progress

When these systems are in place, fundraising stops feeling chaotic. It becomes manageable, repeatable, and even energizing.

The Opportunity Ahead

Despite the challenges, this moment holds real opportunity.

Organizations that adapt, lead with clarity, and invest in fundamentals will not only survive — they will stand out. Donors are paying attention. They are drawn to organizations that communicate well, lead confidently, and demonstrate impact with honesty and heart.

2026 doesn’t require perfection. It requires commitment.

Commitment to learning.
Commitment to leadership.
Commitment to doing the hard things that move your mission forward.

The Takeaway

This year is your invitation to stop reacting and start building.

Build the systems.
Build the habits.
Build the confidence around fundraising.

Because when you do, you don’t just keep up with change — you stay ahead of it, serving your mission with strength, clarity, and purpose.