Staff Report
Big Buzz Idea Group
Running a successful nonprofit requires adaptability, innovation and a clear vision, but it’s the collective wisdom of a dedicated team that truly drives impact. Check out these insights from Big Buzz Idea Group team members who each bring their unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving nonprofit landscape.
From leveraging technology and fostering community engagement to ensuring financial sustainability and prioritizing mission alignment, their thoughts offer a comprehensive look at how nonprofits can navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the year ahead.
Tricia Fusilero
Association Manager
Every day, move one thing forward, even if it is just one step of a process. By the end of the work week, you will move 5 items forward. By the end of the quarter, you will have 65 tasks moved forward. After six months, that will add up to 130 items. And you will wrap up the year making 260 steps in the right direction! Progress one step at a time!
Melissa M. Lagowski
CEO & Founder
Be clear about your three top goals for the year – both for the organization and for yourself as a leader. When you are clear about what you want to accomplish, it is much easier to achieve. The clarity will help you avoid all the distractions that can often take you off course, and it helps you identify your daily and weekly priorities so you can make the most of your time this year.
Shea Lichtenstein
Bookkeeper
Set a budget. Stick to the budget. Strong financial management is very important to growth.
Amanda Lovell
Digital Marketing Manager
Nonprofits should prioritize a data-driven approach to digital marketing efforts. By leveraging analytics, organizations can better understand audience behavior, optimize campaigns for engagement and allocate resources more effectively. Authentic storytelling through social media, video content and email campaigns will help build trust and foster emotional connections with supporters. While AI is not a solution to every challenge, embracing emerging technologies for ideation and automation can be a valuable tool to streamline operations and contribute to long-term success.
Julia Schroeder
Marketing & Nonprofit Account Coordinator
It’s important to zoom out and consider what other successful nonprofits are doing, while evaluating what is best for your organization. Each nonprofit has different needs and what one finds success with may not work for just any nonprofit. Rather than doing the same thing as years past or copy/pasting trends, set aside some quiet, thoughtful time (to slow down) and really think about what your organization needs most in 2025. If possible, ask others involved in your organization for their feedback on what has worked and what needs improvement. They may have insight on different angles than what you are aware of. Do you need to focus on building relationships outside of your current network to uplift your board? Do you need to strategize new fundraising campaigns? Would you like to have a stronger impact in your community?
