Make the Most of 2026: A Do Good SCV Nonprofit Action Guide

As we settle into a new year, nonprofit organizations’ executive directors, senior staff, and board leaders across the Santa Clarita Valley are doing what they do best: showing up for the community. From food pantries and housing services to youth programs, arts organizations, and health-focused nonprofits, this season is often defined by urgency, generosity, and deep local impact.

The Do Good SCV team believes the start of a new year is a launchpad. With a little intention and planning, the momentum you build now can fuel stronger relationships, smarter strategy, and greater impact throughout the year ahead.

This guide is designed specifically for Santa Clarita Valley nonprofits, with practical steps you can take now to set yourself up for a sustainable, community-centered year.

1. Start With Gratitude, Then Invite People to Stay

Year-end fundraising brings an influx of generosity, but long-term impact comes from what happens next.

As the new year begins:

• Thank donors and volunteers quickly and authentically. A short, sincere message that references local impact goes a long way.

• Share early stories of how year-end support has already been making a difference in the Santa Clarita Valley.

• Invite supporters into what’s next, whether upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, or community events.

Retention isn’t about asking more, it’s about helping people feel connected to the mission and the community they’re supporting.

2. Reflect on What Resonated Locally

Before jumping into new goals, take time to reflect on what actually worked — especially with your local audience.

Ask your team:

• Which messages or stories connected most with Santa Clarita Valley supporters?

• Where did engagement spike — email, social media, events, or word-of-mouth?

• Did community partnerships or collaborations drive new visibility?

These insights don’t require a complex data system. Even informal reflection can reveal patterns that help you focus your energy where it matters most.

3. Set Clear, Community-Grounded Goals

Effective planning balances ambition with realism and always comes back to mission. For the year ahead, consider setting goals across three key areas:

Fundraising & Sustainability

• Define revenue targets that reflect both community capacity and organizational needs.

• Diversify income streams where possible, including individual giving, local sponsorships, and grants.

Communications & Visibility

• Commit to sharing your story consistently, not just during campaigns.

• Highlight outcomes, not just activities — people want to know how lives are being changed locally.

Community Impact

• Identify 2-3 measurable outcomes that matter most to your mission.

• Track and share progress throughout the year to build trust and transparency.

Clear goals help your board, staff, and supporters pull in the same direction.

4. Lean Into Collaboration Across the SCV

The Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit community is rich with organizations doing meaningful, complementary work. Collaboration and partnership isn’t just efficient, it’s powerful.

Look for opportunities to:

• Cross-promote events or volunteer opportunities

• Share resources, expertise, or space

• Partner around shared community challenges like food insecurity, housing stability, youth development, or senior services

One of Do Good SCV’s core goals is to make these connections easier, helping nonprofits find one another and helping the community discover the work already happening around them.

5. Make It Easy for People to Get Involved

People want to help, but they need clear pathways.

As you plan ahead:

• Review your website and donation pages for clarity and ease of use

• Clearly list volunteer opportunities, including one-time and ongoing options

• Use simple language to explain how community members can support your mission

Visibility matters. When opportunities are easy to find, participation grows.

6. Plan Your Storytelling, Not Just Your Appeals

A strong content plan keeps your organization visible and relevant year-round.

Consider building a simple calendar that includes:

• Program highlights and impact updates

• Volunteer and donor spotlights

• Community partnerships and collaborations

• Seasonal or awareness-based messaging tied to your mission

Storytelling rooted in real Santa Clarita Valley experiences builds trust and deepens engagement far beyond fundraising alone.

7. Build Relationships That Last

Sustainable nonprofits are built on relationships, not transactions.

As you move into the new year:

• Listen to feedback from donors, volunteers, and community members

• Be transparent about challenges as well as successes

• Celebrate progress, even when it’s incremental

When people feel like partners in the work, they stay invested.

8. Do Good SCV Supports Local Nonprofits

Do Good SCV exists to strengthen the connection between Santa Clarita Valley nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and the broader community.

Through our platform, nonprofits can:

• Increase visibility for their mission and programs

• Share volunteer opportunities with a wider local audience

• Be part of a growing network focused on collaboration and community impact

Our belief is simple: when local nonprofits are easier to find and support, the entire Santa Clarita Valley benefits.

Looking Ahead

Planning for the year ahead doesn’t require perfection — just intention. By building on what works, staying rooted in community needs, and leaning into collaboration, Santa Clarita Valley nonprofits can continue doing what they do best: showing up for their neighbors.

At Do Good SCV, we’re proud to support that work — today and in the year ahead.