January is a traditionally quiet month in the charity sector and this year promises to be no different.  Here are some ways you can get ahead for the year.

Plan out your annual campaign

This past year has lent itself to sudden, rapid changes. While life is always unpredictable, it is time to get back to planning. Map out your whole year's annual fund now with an outline of messages. Consider what major themes to highlight. And while you are at it - why not test something new? Maybe test integration with your social media? A text to give effort? A video? Whatever is new to you and has a good chance of boosting results.

Research and build a plan to pilot something new

This whole last year has been about change so why not embrace it and do a pilot. While we are still in this uncertain time, it is a perfect moment to try something new. The risks are relatively low and the possible rewards high. Whether it is starting in major gifts, monthly giving, online, intermediate giving, or something else, now is the time to try a new approach.

Dig into your records with donor research

A key part of fundraising success is targeting the right person with the right ask amount. Time spent on research can help you determine which donors might be the strongest prospects for you as major donors. Don't assume that you don't have large prospects - I once reviewed the list of 400 donors for a charity and found 8 donors able to give $10,000 including one millionaire and one billionaire.

Research trends in an area of fundraising that is new for you

Fundraising is always changing, particularly now. This is a great moment to research and think about trying something new. Or research and decide that approach is not for you. Now, more than ever, it is vital that you stay on top of new trends and ideas. Every area is changing so it is a great time to do some deep research on trends in the sector as well as in your specific area.

Learn, baby, learn

We are in an absolute golden age of education for the charity sector. There are countless free and low-cost webinars, workshops, conferences, and podcasts. Many professional associations offer scholarships or discounted registrations. No travel, no hotel, it has never been more affordable to learn.

Whatever your choice, this is a prime time to do some focused work that will pay off for you the rest of this year and beyond.

Ann Rosenfield is a working fundraiser as well as the editor of Hilborn Charity eNews.

Cover image photo by Felipe Furtado on Unsplash