The Moment After Year-End

One thing I notice every January is how different the conversations feel once year-end fundraising is behind us.

The urgency eases. There’s finally a little room to breathe. And instead of reacting to everything at once, people start to get clearer about what actually mattered and what they want to do differently this year.

One simple exercise we often suggest at this point in the year is this:

Think about one story, moment, or voice from last year that really stayed with people. Not the biggest campaign. Not the most urgent appeal. Just the one that people referenced later, shared unprompted, or came back to. 

That’s usually a helpful clue about what’s worth building on.

That kind of clarity doesn’t always lead straight to decisions, but it tends to shape better ones later on, especially when it comes to storytelling, video, and how impact is communicated throughout the year.

We’re ready for what 2026 holds and excited to keep doing this work alongside you.