Year-End Priorities for Charities: A Helpful Checklist
The end of the year is a key moment for every charity. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and plan. Whether large or small, charities can benefit from focusing on these core areas as the calendar year wraps up:
- Financial Wrap-Up
- Finalise financial accounts, ensuring all transactions are recorded, categorised, and reconciled.
- Prepare for audits or reviews by organising relevant documentation.
- Review current year budgets against actuals to support planning for the year ahead.
- Reporting & Compliance
- Compile annual reports that highlight impact, outcomes, case studies, and financial performance.
- Submit required tax forms and regulatory filings on time.
- Provide trustees with year-end updates, including progress made, challenges faced, and plans going forward.
- Strategic Planning
- Reflect on the year: what worked well, what didn’t, and why.
- Set priorities and SMART goals for the new year.
- Review staffing needs and any changes to the staff or trustee team.
- Fundraising & Gift Aid
- Make the most of year-end giving opportunities with clear appeals and donor engagement.
- If applicable, ensure Gift Aid declarations are in place, and up to date to maximise income from donations.
- Build stronger relationships by:
- Sending more personalised thank-you messages
- Keeping funders/donors updated in a way that fits their level of involvement
- Inviting certain groups to events or campaigns that are more relevant to them
- Governance & Risk Management
- Revisit organisational policies (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR, EDI, health & safety, finance) to ensure they’re current.
- Update the risk register and assess any new or evolving risks.
- Consider a trustee self-assessment or skills audit to strengthen governance.
- Digital & Communications Review
- Audit websites and social media platforms to ensure messaging and branding are up to date.
- Clean contact lists and review GDPR compliance.
- Assess communication strategies and engagement levels across channels.
- Reflect & Celebrate
- Take time to recognise the efforts of staff, volunteers, and supporters.
- Celebrate successes—big and small—and share highlights with your wider community.
- Use newsletters, social media, or video updates to celebrate your success and thank those who’ve made a difference.
The year-end can feel busy, but it’s also a powerful time to regroup, give thanks, and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
