Jewish Nonprofit Fundraising Reflection: How Gratitude and Strategy Build a Stronger Year Ahead

The end of the year invites us to pause. To breathe. To look back at what we’ve built — and to imagine what comes next. 

In Jewish life, we call this practice cheshbon hanefesh — a soul-accounting. We use it to take stock of what we’ve done well, where we’ve fallen short, and how we might begin again with renewed purpose. 

For Jewish nonprofits, the close of the year offers a similar moment. It’s not just about closing books or sending one more email appeal. It’s about taking the time to truly reflect, thank, and reimagine. 

Reflect: What Worked — and Why 

Before planning your next campaign or event, take a moment to learn from the past one. 

Schedule a short debrief with your team and board, asking: 

• Which fundraising moments truly energized our community? 

• What messages resonated most with donors? 

• Where did we stretch — and what did we learn from it? 

Don’t just record outcomes; capture insights. A gift that came late, a new donor who appeared unexpectedly, or a campaign that sparked conversation can all teach you something about your organization’s evolving story. 

When you start your new year grounded in reflection, you don’t just repeat — you refine. 

Thank: Celebrate Your Donors, Volunteers, and Team 

Gratitude is one of the most powerful — and most underused — tools in fundraising. 

A heartfelt thank-you can do more to build trust than any marketing campaign. This is the time to reach out personally, not transactionally. 

Try one of these: 

• Send a short video of your staff or students saying todah rabbah. 

• Write handwritten notes to donors who went above and beyond. 

• Spotlight volunteers, teachers, or community members on social media with stories of impact. 

• Hold a small “gratitude gathering” to celebrate your shared accomplishments. 

When you close the year in appreciation, you open the next one in relationship. 

Reimagine: Set Intention for the Year Ahead 

Reflection and gratitude naturally lead to vision. Ask yourself and your team: What do we want our community to experience next year? 

Perhaps it’s deeper connection. Perhaps it’s a stronger sense of identity. Perhaps it’s growth — not just in numbers, but in meaning. 

Set one or two kavanot (intentions) to guide your fundraising in the coming year. For example: 

• “We will communicate with warmth and clarity.” 

• “We will invest in long-term donor relationships.” 

• “We will celebrate the impact of giving all year long.” 

Grounding your plan in intention keeps it from becoming just a checklist — it becomes a reflection of your values. 

Carry the Spirit Forward 

When Jewish nonprofits approach fundraising as a cycle of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, they model the very values they seek to inspire. Each thank-you note, each story shared, each thoughtful conversation with a donor becomes part of something larger — a rhythm of connection that sustains our communities. 

As you close this year, take pride in the good you’ve done, learn from the moments that challenged you, and step forward with the confidence that your mission matters deeply — today and every day. 

Building on Reflection, Strategy, and Strength 

At The Lapin Group, we believe the strongest fundraising strategies begin with reflection and gratitude. We partner with Jewish nonprofits to turn insight into action — helping teams analyze what worked, clarify their goals, and design plans that inspire generosity year after year. 

If your organization is ready to begin 2026 with intention, clarity, and momentum, we’d love to help you reimagine what’s possible. Together, we can build the next chapter of your organization’s story — stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.