We’ve got four weeks. If you’re like me, you’re wondering where the time went and how you can get it back to the end of 2023 on the right note.
Well, I have some good and bad news for you.
The bad news is my darn time machine isn’t working, so I won’t be able to help you on that end. But, after more than a few years in this sector, I know some must-have items you should include on your 2023 wrap-up checklist. You can add or take from this list as you see fit, but these are a few things I believe most of us should have on our final to-do lists.
Got a pen and sharp pencil ready?
Okay, let’s dive in!
1. Budget for the New Year
If your organization is young, determining your 2024 budget might be difficult because you have less history to reference. That shouldn’t be a reason to push this task off anymore. Instead, work with what you do know and remember your budget isn’t static because what you earn or spend may differ each year.
Thinking back to 2020, most organizations were not prepared for the sudden increase in need or the impact the pandemic would have on their spending. We all had to adjust and adapt, even when doing so was scary and uncomfortable.
2. Determine Program KPIs
How are you measuring programmatic success? What qualitative and quantitative goals are you setting for your work?
Now get this done. Now is the time to reevaluate what worked and what did not work with your previous KPIs respective to their programs. For example, if your after-school program is in its final year of a multi-year grant, should you decrease your fundraising goals, or have you developed a strategy to fill the monetary gap?
3. Review Job Descriptions
Because many nonprofits are understaffed, one person usually does the work of at least two people, which contributes to burnout. Now is a great time to review job descriptions as they were written, then compare them to how the job has been executed and adjust the description as needed.
If the Communications & Development Associate is doing tasks outside their original role, it might be time to review the budget and consider if there’s room for a new hire, or if the associate should receive a promotion and a suitable raise.
4. Tech Updates
Staff feedback is key to knowing where you should or should not invest in tech for 2024. Organizational transitions are always difficult, but the sooner you get them done, the better. If the majority of your staff works remotely, maybe now is the time to consider if your video chatting app meets all your needs.
Maybe you want to start using a password manager for improved digital security or a communication tool like Slack in addition to your email service. Now’s the time!
5. Expense Reports
Turn them in! Take your slowest day at work and dedicate it to submitting those expense reports that have been piling up. Time’s running out.
If you’re interested in learning more about staff and executive coaching in 2024, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me to see what we can do together!
