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Nonprofit News, Tech & Marketing Stories from Whole Whale, a Nationally Recognized Nonprofit Marketing Agency for over a decade. Founded in 2010, Whole Whale is a B-Corp that runs analytics, digital advertising, Google Ad Grants, and SEO for nonprofits.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Free weekly news summary: NonprofitNewsFeed.com Billionaire Philanthropy Shifts and EU Greenwashing
Crackdown: Nonprofit News Feed Insights In this episode of the Nonprofit News Feed, George Weiner, Chief Whaler, alongside Nick Azulay, delves into the philanthropic strategy shifts at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) and the broader influence of high-net-worth individuals in the nonprofit sector. Amidst CZI's pivot towards science and technology initiatives, there's a debate on whether this is a strategic move or a case of chasing shiny objects. The discussion also touches on the Open Society Foundations' internal changes and the implications for NGOs relying on their support. Key insights emerge from the European Union's crackdown on greenwashing, with new directives banning misleading environmental claims based on carbon offsetting. This legislative move aims to empower consumers with accurate information, promoting genuine sustainability efforts. The conversation also highlights a groundbreaking partnership between New York City and RIP Medical Debt, aiming to abolish $2 billion in medical debt for 500,000 New Yorkers. This innovative approach showcases the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing systemic issues within the healthcare system. Finally, a feel-good story from Michigan features a nonprofit providing 'snuggle sacks' to the homeless, offering essential items during the harsh winter months. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment within the sector to support the most vulnerable populations. The episode wraps up with a glimpse into the Nonprofitist's consultant outlook for 2024, hinting at potential price increases among nonprofit consultants, and ends on a lighter note with a playful discussion on the challenges of crafting nonprofit elevator pitches. Calls to Action: Reflect on the potential impacts of billionaire-led philanthropy shifts within your organization. Consider how EU's anti-greenwashing measures could influence your nonprofit's environmental claims and practices. Explore innovative ways to mitigate systemic challenges, inspired by NYC's collaboration with RIP Medical Debt. Support or initiate programs that provide direct aid to vulnerable populations within your community. Closing Thought: As the nonprofit sector navigates the complexities of influential donors, legislative changes, and societal needs, it's crucial to remain adaptable while staying true to the core mission. This episode underscores the importance of strategic focus, transparency, and compassion in driving positive change.
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Nonprofitnewsfeed.com
Nonprofit Sector Confronts International Aid Challenges and Navigates Donor Dynamics
In this week's episode of the Nonprofit News Feed by Whole Whale, hosts George and Nick delve into pressing issues within the nonprofit world, including the complexities of the USAID food program, philanthropic trends in New York City, and the unpredictable nature of billionaire-backed philanthropy.
USAID Food Aid Under Scrutiny The episode kicks off with a critical look at the U.S. international food aid program. An NPR investigation revealed that Catholic Relief Services discovered rotting grain intended for Haiti, spotlighting inefficiencies in non-emergency food aid delivery. Current legislation requires non-emergency aid from USAID to be sourced from U.S. suppliers, but experts argue for more regional and direct cash assistance approaches. The Biden administration is pushing for reforms in the upcoming farm bill to address these stringent restrictions, highlighting the tension between international development professionals and American farmers.
Wealthy Donors Pulling Back in NYC The conversation shifts to New York City, where wealthy donors are reportedly hesitating to contribute to the city's escalating problems, including homelessness and the migrant crisis. Mayor Eric Adams' emphasis on the severity of these issues without federal aid is speculated to be discouraging donors, underscoring the need for hopeful messaging to inspire philanthropic investment. The hosts reflect on the importance of nonprofits in the city and the potential impact of donor withdrawal on their operations.
Schmidt Futures: A Cautionary Tale of Philanthropic Instability The episode also examines the case of Schmidt Futures, the philanthropic arm of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, as reported by Forbes. The organization's sudden program shifts and leadership changes exemplify the volatility that can arise when nonprofits rely heavily on individual billionaire donors. The hosts discuss the broader implications for the sector and the necessity of recognizing these dependencies as potential risks.
GLAAD's Emmy Recognition for LGBTQ+ Advocacy Ending on a positive note, the hosts celebrate GLAAD's recognition at the Emmys for its advocacy work in the LGBTQ+ community. Amidst challenging times for trans rights, the Academy's accolade highlights the influence of media representation and GLAAD's critical role in shaping narratives.
Closing Thought: The Power of Nonprofits in Shaping Narratives The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of nonprofits, not only in addressing immediate needs but also in influencing societal perspectives through storytelling and media consultation. The joke shared between the hosts adds a light-hearted touch, reinforcing the community spirit that underpins the nonprofit sector.
In Summary: This episode underscores the complex relationship between policy, philanthropy, and nonprofit impact, offering a nuanced perspective on current challenges and the evolving landscape of aid and donor engagement.
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
### Nonprofit Digital Marketing: What to Watch for in 2024
**Nonprofit Newsfeed & Whole Whale Podcast Episode Summary**
**Episode Title:** Navigating Nonprofit Digital Marketing Trends for 2024
In this insightful episode, hosts George Weiner and Nick Azulay of Whole Whale discuss essential digital marketing trends that nonprofit professionals should be aware of in 2024. The episode is a treasure trove of predictions, strategies, and updates crucial for nonprofits navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.
**Key Digital Trends and Strategies:**
- **Google Analytics Transition:** Universal Analytics was deprecated in July 2023, and historical data will be deleted after July 1, 2024. Nonprofits should archive their data before this deadline.
- **Google Chrome Cookie Deprecation:** The removal of third-party cookies will impact ad targeting and analytics, emphasizing privacy over hyper-targeted ads.
- **Consent Mode and Predictive Analytics:** As users opt out of cookies, Google's consent mode and GA4 will fill in the gaps, leading to more cookie-less consent options.
- **Crypto Giving:** A predicted resurgence in cryptocurrency could lead to an increase in crypto donations. Nonprofits are encouraged to develop a crypto giving strategy.
- **Email Marketing Compliance:** Google is imposing strict penalties for spam, particularly for list buying. Nonprofits should nurture authentic relationships instead of relying on purchased lists.
- **Trust in Nonprofits:** Maintaining and increasing donor confidence is crucial. Transparency, financial disclosures, and demonstrating impact are key to fostering trust.
- **SMS Marketing:** SMS text message marketing is expected to rise, with platforms like MailChimp integrating it into campaign strategies.
- **Search Generated Experiences (SGE):** AI will change how search queries are answered, potentially reducing clicks to websites. Nonprofits should adapt their content strategies accordingly.
- **AI and Ethical Content Creation:** Nonprofits should develop policies for ethical AI usage, including content creation and public disclosure.
**Global and Political Context:**
- 2024 is set to be a chaotic year with significant global events and national elections worldwide, leading to heightened engagement in political advocacy and human rights.
- Nonprofits must find ways to cut through the increased noise and remain relevant.
**Emerging Communication Trends:**
- **Video-First Communication:** Short-form video content is being prioritized across social platforms. Nonprofits should incorporate this into their communication strategies.
- **Alternative Social Platforms:** With the instability of platforms like Twitter, nonprofits should explore emerging social platforms and localized community tools like Telegram and WhatsApp.
**Closing Thoughts:**
The hosts emphasize the importance of adapting to these trends and adjusting strategies to stay ahead in the nonprofit sector. They encourage listeners to embrace these changes and prepare for a busy and transformative year.
**Final Joke:**
George leaves us with a light-hearted joke about colds being "easy to catch," adding a touch of humor to the episode's conclusion.
****
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Conversation Summary:
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Teen Social Media Usage:
- Pew Research Center study highlights that nearly half of US teens are online almost constantly, a steep rise from 24% in 2014-2015.
- Smartphone Access: 95% of teens have or can access a smartphone.
- TikTok Usage: 58% of teens use TikTok daily; 17% nearly constantly.
- Role of Nonprofits: Organizations like The JET Foundation address the risks and benefits of social media use among teens.
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Nonprofit Digital Strategy Insights:
- Social Media in Teens' Lives: Essential for youth engagement, education, and sports.
- YouTube's Dominance: Used by 93% of teens, making it a critical platform for nonprofits.
- Content Strategy: Emphasis on short-form videos and visual content across major platforms.
- Role of AI in Content Creation: Importance of human elements in digital communication.
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Crypto Donations:
- The Giving Block Report: Notable growth in crypto donations.
- Crypto Market Trends: Predicted increase in donations aligned with market trends.
- Advice for Nonprofits: Prepare for potential crypto donation surges.
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Reassessment of Tree Planting Initiatives:
- Thomas Crowther's Shift: From advocating massive tree planting to halting it.
- Concerns: Biodiversity, misuse by businesses to offset emissions.
- Nonprofit Response: Need to explore diverse, effective climate solutions.
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CO2 Emissions Data Visualization:
- Our World in Data: Shows per capita CO2 emissions trends.
- US Emissions: Decrease in per capita emissions since the 1960s.
- Hopeful Outlook: Progress in emissions reduction indicates potential for further improvement.
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Social Enterprise Spotlight:
- Greensland Bakery: Founded by Carolyn Johnson to help women recover from trauma.
- Earned Revenue Model: Combines business operations with social change.
Key Takeaways:
- Digital Engagement: Nonprofits must adapt to the digital habits of younger generations.
- Video Content Priority: Shift towards video content, especially on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
- Crypto Philanthropy: Potential for growth in crypto donations requires preparedness by nonprofits.
- Complexity in Climate Solutions: Reevaluation of strategies like tree planting, exploring diverse approaches.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Using data visualizations for informed strategies.
- Social Enterprises: Combining business models with social impact.
Resources Mentioned:
- Pew Research Center (Teen Social Media Usage Study)
- The JET Foundation (Mental Health)
- The Giving Block (Crypto Donations Report)
- Our World in Data (CO2 Emissions Visualization)
- Nonprofit Quarterly (Greensland Bakery Story)
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Meet the Faces of Crypto Philanthropy | The Giving Block
Based on the "Faces of Crypto Philanthropy" article by The Giving Block, the most generous donor appears to be Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum. He has donated cryptocurrencies valued at over $1 billion to various causes, including COVID-19 relief, medical research, and Ukraine humanitarian aid. This level of giving places him at the forefront in terms of the scale of crypto philanthropy. For more detailed information about Vitalik Buterin's and others' contributions, please visit The Giving Block's article.
The ACLU will legally represent the NRA. Its NY affiliate isn’t happy about it. | Gothamist
The ACLU's decision to represent the NRA in a Supreme Court case over alleged free-speech violations by New York state has led to a rift with its New York affiliate, the NYCLU. NYCLU's Executive Director Donna Lieberman contends that the ACLU's role as counsel is unnecessary, given the NRA's significant legal resources and differing principles. The case centers on whether New York's actions against financial institutions working with the NRA constitute state censorship, a situation the ACLU argues could set a dangerous precedent for silencing advocacy groups.
A Tale of Two Billionaires: Scott Versus Buffet
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott outlined the details of the almost $2.1 billion she donated in the last year, bringing the total amount of donations up to almost $16 billion since 2019. In a blog update, Scott outlines the nonprofits that have directly benefited from her gifts. This contrasts with the announcement of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who committed donations in the form of shares, with a release from his Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate detailing that 1.5 million shares are going to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, as reported by CNN. The contrast between Scott’s direct donations and Buffets donations (via shares) to a family foundation is particularly underscored by potential generation changes in giving.
Is a gift always a gift? We asked the audience about whether giving to your own family foundation really counts.
2024 is the biggest election year in history | The Economist
In 2024, a pivotal year for global democracy, 76 countries are set to hold elections, yet the quality and fairness of these elections vary significantly. Major democracies like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and the United States, labeled as "flawed democracies," face significant elections, with America's political culture scoring lowest in democratic aspects. Europe and Africa present contrasting democratic landscapes, with Europe scoring high in the Democracy Index and Africa facing challenges, while the scheduled Ukrainian election stands as a potential act of defiance amid ongoing conflict.
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Guest Details
Donald Summers
Founder and CEO of Altruist Partners
Author of "Scaling Altruism"
Founder of Altruist Accelerator (altruistaccelerator.org)
Conversation Summary
Altruist Partners' Mission:
For 17 years, they've helped social enterprises and nonprofits worldwide to scale their revenue and impact. They established a nonprofit to maximize the dissemination of their methodology.
The Book "Scaling Altruism":
Serves as a curriculum for the accelerator and open sources Donald's comprehensive solution for running high-performing nonprofits.
Changing Nonprofit Landscape:
Donald emphasizes the ongoing need for improvement in nonprofit performance, focusing on translating entrepreneurial tools for nonprofits. He addresses barriers like knowledge gaps, cultural differences, and misconceptions about business methodologies in the social sector.
Impact and Growth Methodology:
The book and accelerator aim to translate business tools into nonprofit contexts, focusing on practical, low-cost strategies for small to midsize organizations.
Altruism in Business:
Donald discusses the need for altruism in our capitalist system, advocating for its integration to address societal and environmental challenges. He stresses the importance of evolving beyond tribal, self-interested behaviors for global sustainability.
Effective Altruism:
While supportive of the movement's goals, Donald critiques its academic, theoretical approach. He advocates for a more practical application of altruistic principles in management and execution.
Case Study - Treehouse:
Discusses transitioning from event-based fundraising to more sustainable, relationship-focused strategies.
Advice for Nonprofits and Future Leaders:
Encourages adoption of business methodologies and skills like finance and marketing for social impact. He advises future leaders to gain private sector experience before entering the social sector.
Key Takeaways
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Blending Business and Altruism: Effective nonprofit management involves incorporating business principles without losing the essence of altruism.
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Methodology for Nonprofits: Donald’s methodology focuses on practical, executable strategies tailored for nonprofits, moving beyond theoretical models.
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Cultural Integration: Emphasizes the importance of understanding and integrating different cultural perspectives within the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
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Empowerment through Knowledge: Advocates for equipping future social sector leaders with business acumen and practical skills.
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Scaling Impact: Aims to broaden the reach and effectiveness of altruistic initiatives by leveraging proven business strategies and tools.
Resources Mentioned
- Altruist Accelerator: altruistaccelerator.org
- Book: "Scaling Altruism"
- Altruist Partners: altruistpartners.org
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Today's podcast delves into several significant topics in the non-profit sector. The U.S. has pledged $3 billion to the Climate Action Fund at COP28, highlighting efforts to help nations most affected by climate change, like island nations at existential risk. The discussion acknowledges the importance of this funding, even as it's debated whether it's sufficient. The Inflation Reduction Act is also mentioned as a major clean energy initiative by the Biden-Harris administration.
Next, the podcast discusses GivingTuesday, noting a marginal increase in donations but a concerning 10% drop in donor engagement. This decline is attributed to various factors, including economic trends and political disengagement. Despite the setback, there's hope that future events, especially during election years, might boost participation.
Another important topic covered is the report from the Washington Area Women's Foundation on Black women in leadership roles. The study reveals significant strains on these women, including health impacts and limited career progression, indicating a need for systemic changes in workplaces.
Lastly, the podcast touches on a study by Give.org and the Better Business Bureau, showing a shift in public trust among different charity categories. Religious organizations have notably lost trust, while veterans and nonprofit hospitals are now viewed more favorably. This shift suggests changing public perceptions and priorities in charitable giving.
The podcast concludes with a feel-good story about Apopo, an international charity using African giant pouched rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis. This innovative approach has made significant impacts in mine-ridden areas like Laos and Cambodia, exemplifying creative solutions in the non-profit sector.
Nonprofitnewsfeed.com
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
The Associated Press reports on the increasing importance of GivingTuesday for nonprofits, especially amid concerns of declining donations. GivingTuesday, which began as a hashtag in 2012, has grown into a significant fundraising event where many nonprofits leverage matching campaigns to maximize donations. The end of the year traditionally sees a surge in charitable giving. The AP notes that organizations like Fidelity Charitable are optimistic about end-of-year donations, contrasting with the National Council of Nonprofits' concerns over falling support and a general decline in the number of Americans donating. Whole Whale, the publisher of this newsletter, predicts approximately $3.45 Billion in predicted donation revenue for nonprofits this Giving Tuesday, based on an analysis of historical trends and movements in search volume. In addition to traditional fundraising vehicles, observers are acutely paying attention to trends in alternate forms of giving, especially crypto donations, like those fueled by platforms such as Whole Whale partner The Giving Block.
Warren Buffett donates $870 million to charities ahead of Thanksgiving | CNN
Billionaire Warren Buffett has donated approximately $870 million in Berkshire Hathaway shares to four family-run foundations, continuing his annual philanthropic tradition. The donation, echoing last year's gesture, is part of his long-standing commitment against dynastic wealth and in support of societal benefits through capitalism. Despite being 93, Buffett remains at the helm of his company, which is thriving with robust earnings and a record cash reserve.
Who Are the New OpenAI Board Members and What's Changed?
OpenAI recently underwent significant changes in its board composition following a tumultuous period marked by the firing and subsequent rehiring of CEO Sam Altman. This upheaval led to the dismissal of three board members: Ilya Sutskever, Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner, with the latter two being the only women on the board. Their departure was a consequence of a failed board coup against Altman. In their place, Bret Taylor and Larry Summers have been appointed. This shift represents a notable change in the board's gender diversity and reflects the broader dynamics at play within the company and its controlling interests.
One Love Foundation: Major donor sues citing founder's opposition to minority, LGBTQ outreach
The Baltimore Banner
A major donor is suing the One Love Foundation, claiming that the Baltimore-based nonprofit, which has educated 2 million young people about relationship violence, has breached an agreement and is in “disarray” due to the actions of one of its founders.
The lawsuit asserts that Sharon Love, who created One Love after her daughter, University of Virginia senior Yeardley Love, was killed by an ex-boyfriend in 2010, fought against One Love’s “outreach to LGBTQ and minority communities” and threatened to fire board members who disagreed with her, prompting nearly all board members and the organization’s CEO to resign earlier this year.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Nonprofit Board Fires Sam Altman At OpenAI In High-Stakes Drama
So, what happens when a nonprofit board meets with a Silicon Valley CEO?
The two factions of OpenAI clashed like the resistance fighting the empire in a scene from Star Wars but with fewer special effects. Here’s what we think is happening based on reports…
OpenAI, initially a non-profit dedicated to beneficial AI development, has undergone a significant transformation via high-speed drama this weekend. After former CEO Sam Altman was ousted, executive Greg Brockman decided to quit OpenAI, with Twitch's ex-CEO Emmett Shear stepping in. Microsoft's Satya Nadella announced Altman and Brockman, along with others, would join Microsoft. This move represents a substantial gain for Microsoft, which already holds a perpetual license to OpenAI's intellectual property, and now acquires key talent without financial or antitrust risks. This shift signals a loss for OpenAI, heavily reliant on Microsoft for funding and resources. OpenAI's flagship product, ChatGPT may face uncertainties given these developments.
Some observers critique the evolution of OpenAI's non-profit model, originally aimed at advancing AI for humanity's benefit without financial constraints. However, financial pressures led to the creation of OpenAI Global, LLC, with Microsoft as a minority owner, altering OpenAI's commitment to openness and non-profit principles. The release of ChatGPT, while a massive success, exacerbated internal ideological rifts within OpenAI that contributed to Altman's ouster. Microsoft, heavily invested in OpenAI technology, finds itself in a more advantageous position, now directly acquiring the talent and technology it was partnered with. Analysts suggest this to mean a consolidation of AI advancements under large, well-funded corporations, with OpenAI's original non-profit vision and structure becoming increasingly untenable.
So for this episode the score is: nonprofit ethos 1, Silicon Valley CEO 0
- but this is definitely not the end of this saga, expect many sequels and prequels.
The new French AI research lab Kyutai, backed by a budget of nearly €300 million (around $330 million), is set to make significant strides in artificial intelligence. Spearheaded by French billionaire Xavier Niel and supported by figures like Rodolphe Saadé and Eric Schmidt, Kyutai aims to be a nonprofit hub for artificial general intelligence research, collaborating with researchers and PhD students on open-source projects. The lab boasts considerable compute power, including a thousand Nvidia H100 GPUs, and is led by a team of seasoned AI experts. It distinguishes itself by encouraging researchers to publish their work, a practice increasingly rare in big tech firms. This initiative aligns with France's broader strategy on AI, as articulated by President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on open source development as a national asset and advocating for regulations that ensure safety and innovation in AI applications.
Rosalynn Carter, mental health activist, humanitarian and former first lady, dies at 96 | CNN
Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at 96, was a trailblazing First Lady, redefining the role by actively championing mental health reform and advocating for human rights. Her tireless work set a new precedent for presidential spouses, emphasizing social impact and public service. Rosalynn's enduring legacy is highlighted by her efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and her pivotal role in The Carter Center's humanitarian initiatives. Her commitment to these causes and her influence as First Lady have left a lasting mark on social advocacy and the evolving role of presidential spouses in public service.
Donor-Advised Fund Report: Grants to Charities Increase 9%, Hitting a New Record High | nonprofit
The 2023 Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Report reveals a robust increase in DAF philanthropy in the United States, with grants to charities growing by 9% to a record $52.16 billion. Despite challenges in the broader economy, donors consistently increased their DAF contributions for the 13th consecutive year. The report notes a shift to what might be a 'new normal' in DAF growth rates, post-COVID-19. Key findings include a 9% increase in contributions to DAF accounts, totaling $85.53 billion, and a 2.9% rise in the number of DAF accounts to 1,948,545. The average DAF account size decreased slightly, and the grant payout rate dipped to 22.5%. Eileen Heisman, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, highlights the growing variety of giving tools and the critical role DAFs play in easy, streamlined philanthropy, expecting this trend to continue benefiting charities globally
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Part of the Nonprofit.ist nonprofit podcast network.
We interviewed Carol Hamilton from Gracesocialsector.com about how nonprofit strategic planning could be improved. Not involving enough people. Often only senior leadership and the board do the planning, thinking they alone have the vision. But all levels of staff should participate to gain buy-in. Surprisingly, there is often 80% agreement on goals across roles. Failing to operationalize the plan. A common mistake is creating an overly complex, long plan that gathers dust. The plan should be simple, focused, and integrated into existing processes. Define who will do what by when for the first year. Crafting an unrealistic plan. While visionary, the plan must connect to current organizational capacity. If the goals are too aspirational without a path to achieve them, they won't be implemented. Having too many goals. Limit the plan to 3-5 key goals maximum. No organization can successfully focus on more than that at once. Not designating responsibilities and timelines. For each goal, define concrete action steps and who will complete them by when. Don't worry about years 2-5. Just focus on year one.