12 New Year's resolutions that give back

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past the end of January. But that doesn’t mean that we’re incapable of real change. Concern works with tens of millions of people each year to transform their lives and circumstances — often through projects that shift habits, attitudes, and traditions for the better

So what holds us back from sticking to our goals? Sometimes, it’s the kind of resolution we choose. Goals like cutting down on screen use or increasing your gym time are worthwhile, but they begin and end with you. Resolutions that give back go further; you can see your own progress while also seeing the impact it has on others around the world. 

Research suggests that these sorts of actions are more likely to leave you with greater meaning and happiness — and isn’t that what we want with every resolution? Here are twelve ideas for resolutions that give back to take you into 2026.

This quote comes from one of our climate resilience programmes in Malawi, a country where 80% of residents are employed in the agriculture industry, and one that is vulnerable to climate shocks. Instead of waiting for things to get worse, many Malawians have begun to take steps to improve resilience and sustainability within the country.

This includes a switch to biogas — an energy source made from composted organic matter that turns what would otherwise be considered waste into cooking gas and fertiliser. As one council member John Mchawa told us: “It’s not waste until you waste it.”

You can take that same principle to heart in the new year, cutting down on food waste, switching to a reusable water bottle or tote bag, and giving up single-use products. 

Trying to understand every issue in the world today is an impossibly tall order. Many of the humanitarian crises we’re responding to are connected to centuries of history and interdependent factors. 

Instead of trying to be an expert in everything, pick one issue that you want to learn more about and focus on that. It could be something that affects multiple countries — like the causes of hunger or who’s facing the highest climate risks. Or you can focus on multiple issues in one country, like the cycle of conflict and hunger in Somalia or the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

We have hundreds of resources to help you learn more about what we do and where we work, plus stories from our programme participants and staff. You can also follow Concern on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. 

We often overlook the role that water plays in our lives. Less than 1% of the global water supply is usable (the rest being saltwater, ice, or kept underground). And we have to make that <1% last for 8 billion people.

The global water crisis is proof that we’ve come up dry with reports from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation showing that hundreds of millions of people are affected by a lack of water for drinking and cleaning. Our own water waste can add up: The average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week simply from household leaks. That adds up to 9,400 gallons per year — and 900 billion gallons globally. 

Fixing your own water leaks and conserving more at home is an easy start for a resolution. You can also learn more about what’s causing the global water crisis, who’s hit hardest, and some of the most effective solutions to water scarcity. 

Economically empowering women is a smart investment — for everyone: A 2023 Moody’s study estimates that greater gender equity could add as much as $7 trillion to the global economy.

Women-owned businesses are one important part of the picture, but they’re not the only way to give back through everyday purchases. Supporting family-owned businesses, small local shops, and businesses run by immigrants or refugees also helps strengthen household incomes and community stability. These enterprises often reinvest earnings locally, create jobs, and preserve skills and traditions that might otherwise be lost.

Tools like Women Owned and Yelp’s women-owned badge can help you find businesses aligned with your values. 

It may not be the first resolution that comes to mind, but taking time to write or update your will can be a meaningful act of care. It helps ensure your wishes are known and that the people you love are provided for, bringing clarity and peace of mind for the future. For some, it can also be a way to think about the kind of impact you want to leave behind. Including a gift in your will offers the opportunity to create a lasting legacy—one that can help support families and communities for generations to come.

If you’ve been meaning to get started on your own will but don’t know where to start, Concern has partnered with LawOnline to offer you a free online will-writing service. With easy to follow steps, you can create a legacy in less than half an hour. It’s a simple way to protect the people and causes you care about most.

One of the foundations of Concern’s work is community. It’s at the heart of initiatives like Community Management of Acute Malnutrition and village savings and loans associations, and it shapes how we work at every level. Community partnership helps us understand the challenges people face, decide on the most effective solutions, and ensure that those solutions can continue long after our direct support ends.

You can bring that same spirit of community to your backyard. Check in on your neighbors — especially during a heat wave, storm, or power outage. Attend community board, council, or PTA meetings. Shop locally where you can and get to know the people who run those businesses. Start a home garden and, if you have a green thumb, share the benefits with your friends and neighbors. 

Donating to Concern means that over 90% of your contribution will go wherever it is needed most, to the people who need it most. Our life-saving work tackles the root causes of poverty in 26 countries and territories around the world, and even the smallest of donations can transform lives. 

You can make a one-time gift to Concern. Or consider switching one of your monthly streaming or game subscriptions over to a “subscription” to ending poverty by becoming a monthly donor. 

There are other ways to support Concern as well, including some that can double or triple your impact at no cost to you. Check our payroll giving portal to see if your employer will match donations made from your paycheck. 

We also partner with businesses big and small to create unique programmes and initiatives. Learn more about ways your business can partner with Concern to deliver maximum impact. 

We’re up to our ears in stuff — a lot of which eventually ends up in landfills (sometimes even landfills on different continents). If you’re one of the many who will be committing to living with less in 2026, consider dedicating one of your next milestone events to giving back. Your birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other special occasion in the next year can be made even more meaningful by using it as a chance to support the cause of your choice. Some ideas for this include:

• Asking for donations in lieu of gifts
• Hosting a themed party that gives back
• Making donations in your guests’ names instead of handing out wedding favours
• Taking on a personal or couples’ challenge that doubles as a fundraiser

Get more ideas for how to celebrate and support your favourite cause here.

We should all do things that we love without turning them into a side hustle. But what if your hobby could also give back? 

If you’re a runner, a fitness challenge fanatic, or planning a major sporting event this year, you can dedicate your challenge to Concern. If you’re looking to make more running friends, we also have teams, including one for the Dublin Marathon. 

You can also design your own fundraiser for Concern, whether that’s hosting a bake sale, craft fair, quiz night, clothing swap, or anything else you have in mind.

Add a bit more dedication to a classic resolution: With Concern’s Give Up initiative, you can take on a challenge that makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Ask your family and friends to support each milestone you hit on giving up a bad habit, or dedicate a day, week, or month to abstaining from social media, chocolate, or coffee as a chance to raise funds and awareness. Learn more about our Give Up programme (and our 24-hour FAST initiative).

Donating your time is just as valuable as donating funds. Concern is always looking for dedicated volunteers in Ireland, where you can help out with our annual debates, assist with our street and church gate collections, and more.