10 Things to Do in the New Year to Give Back and Grow Forward
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the nonprofits and financial advisor leaders we’ve been honored to celebrate and support. Gratitude for the volunteers, donors, and champions who believe in the power of our mission to amplify, celebrate and inspire the charitable work of the financial services community. And gratitude for a community that understands a simple truth: when we invest in others, everyone benefits.
As we look ahead to 2026, Invest in Others’ 20th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Philanthropy and volunteerism aren’t just acts of generosity; they’re powerful tools for leadership development, professional growth, and long-term impact.
As you step into the New Year, here are 10 things you should be doing in 2026 to align your purpose, your career, and your commitment to giving back.
1. Reconnect with Your “Why”
Before setting goals, revisit what motivates you. What issues move you? What communities matter most to you? Purpose-driven professionals are more engaged, resilient, and fulfilled, and philanthropy is often where purpose becomes action.
2. Volunteer Your Skills, Not Just Your Time
Your professional expertise is incredibly valuable to nonprofits. Whether it’s strategic planning, finance, or mentorship, skills-based volunteering allows you to make a deeper impact while sharpening the very skills that advance your career.
You can meet one of our newest volunteers, Jack Casady, Director of Marketing at Beck Bode, to learn more. He’s recently joined our marketing committee and we’re eager to have his support as we enter into our 20th anniversary in 2026.
3. Seek Leadership Roles in Service
Serving on a nonprofit board or committee builds leadership, governance, and decision-making experience that translates directly to professional growth. Many of today’s most effective leaders honed their skills through service long before they held executive title.
4. Make Philanthropy a Habit, Not a One-Time Act
Consistency matters. Whether it’s monthly giving, recurring volunteer shifts, or ongoing mentorship, sustained involvement strengthens communities, and reinforces discipline, accountability, and long-term thinking in your own life.
5. Align Giving with Your Values
Be intentional about where you invest your time and resources. When your philanthropic efforts reflect your personal and professional values, they become more meaningful, and more sustainable.
6. Use Your Platform to Amplify Others
Advocate for causes you believe in. Share nonprofit stories. Nominate nonprofit leaders for recognition. Elevating others not only expands impact, it strengthens your voice, influence, and network.
7. Learn from Nonprofit Leaders
Nonprofit leaders are innovators, problem-solvers, and change agents working with limited resources and enormous challenges. Engaging with them offers powerful lessons in adaptability, empathy, and mission-driven leadership.
8. Encourage a Culture of Giving at Work
Philanthropy is contagious. Invite colleagues to volunteer with you, support shared causes, or celebrate service milestones. Strong cultures of giving build stronger teams and more connected workplaces.
You can connect with our Chief Development Officer Nicole Morgan to learn more about sponsorship and many more ways to give!
9. Measure Impact, Not Just Activity
Impact matters. Take time to understand how your contributions, time, talent, or treasure, are making a difference. This mindset mirrors effective professional growth: outcomes over optics, results over busyness.
10. Commit to Investing in Others and Yourself
Giving back isn’t separate from your career journey; it complements it. Service builds empathy, leadership, perspective, and purpose, qualities that define meaningful success.
