Editor's note: Original article by Tammy Day; edited to fit the current year.
The year 2025 will be one to remember. So, it is not surprising that as we find ourselves at the end of this year, thoughts of New Year’s resolutions weigh heavy on our minds.
While the new year always brings with it the shiny optimism of a second chance, this year particularly, the appeal of a clean slate looms large. The idea of a fresh start when the calendar flips feels like the panacea we all need to keep moving forward.
Many people set personal resolutions to be healthier, thinner, smarter, or better in some way, inspired by the potential that a new year brings.
But in light of this past year’s hardships, the Wayne Area Legacy Fund challenges everyone to focus 2026 resolutions not only on themselves, but also on doing more good in the world. As 2025 draws to a close, find a way to create some community-focused resolutions, and take the time to make them stick.
Most people have experience with personal resolutions gone astray and know how quickly the enthusiasm and optimism of sparkly new intentions can diminish. Community-focused resolutions can also fall by the wayside if one does not take the time to think about what matters and how one fits into the community’s web of giving-back opportunities.
It’s easy to get swept up in the latest giving craze, so take time at the end of this year to consider what’s important. There are many reasons to consider beliefs, motivations, and gifts to help ensure a successful community-focused resolution.
It narrows focus. Communities have many unmet needs. Options for volunteering, board service, and community engagement seem endless, so without forethought or planning, it may be hard to know where to begin.
It helps find things that fit. When considering strengths and areas of interest, it becomes easier to find give-back opportunities that match skills, abilities, and resources.
It reveals new opportunities. Thinking about time, talent, and treasure broadens options to give back. Taking the time to think through what is cared about, motivating, and can be contributed, can match outreach efforts to the issues.
It makes community work more engaging and sustainable. When give-back opportunities do not align or are outside areas that are interesting and motivating, it may be harder to maintain these commitments because they are not inspiring or may even feel too much “like work.” Connecting community engagement efforts to one’s values and skill set makes it more likely that resolutions will be successful and carry on.
Fully embrace the resolution season and make a promise to do something different in the new year, something that takes the challenges of 2025 and uses it as motivation to do more good in 2026.
Wayne Area Legacy Foundation harnesses the power of giving to make the Wayne Area a great place for all ages to live, work and play for generations to come. We invite you to be a part of the legacy of promoting progress in our area by giving to the unrestricted endowment. Similar to a community savings account, unrestricted endowments are an important tool to keep hometowns across Nebraska growing, thriving and improving future generations. A portion of the income earned by the endowment is granted annually to fund projects and programs to benefit the community, the principal remains intact and grows every year.
The Wayne Area Legacy Fund (WALF) has invested over $100,000 back into the Wayne Area community since the inception of the fund. The WALF is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All contributions to WALF are tax-deductible. Visit https://waynearealegacyfund.org/ for additional information. Be sure to like us on Facebook @WayneAreaLegacyFund. Contact WALF at WayneAreaLegacyFund@gmail.com.
Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.
