The Great Lock-In… for Nonprofits


The first cool mornings of September, the shift in the light, and the sound of school buses on the road all signal that fall is here. Trees start to turn, migratory birds gather, and gardens wind down. In nature, fall is a season of transition and preparation—and the same can be true for nonprofits.

This year, social media has given that idea a new spin with something called “The Great Lock-In.” It’s a Gen Z trend about focusing hard from September through December—locking in on goals to finish the year strong.

Environmental nonprofits don’t need TikTok accounts to participate. But the idea of a fall lock-in is right on point: dedicating time and energy now to shore up the policies, training, and practices that will sustain your mission through winter and into the next growing season.

Here are a few things worth “locking in” this fall:

1. Review Your Core Policies

Take a fresh look at the backbone documents that keep your organization strong:

  • Bylaws – Do they reflect your current board structure and practices?
  • Conflict-of-interest policy – Is it being followed, and do disclosures need updating?
  • Gift acceptance and fundraising policies – Are they still a good fit for the kinds of donations and grants you’re seeking?
  • Whistleblower and ethics policies – Do staff and volunteers know what’s expected and where to turn with concerns?

An annual policy audit doesn’t just check a compliance box—it reinforces trust with your board, staff, funders, and community.

2. Refresh Training and Orientation

Board and staff turnover is natural, but without ongoing training, it can weaken institutional memory. Fall is the perfect time to:

  • Revisit board orientation materials.
  • Provide refresher training on ethics, financial oversight, and anti-harassment.
  • Tailor volunteer onboarding, especially if you rely on seasonal or project-based helpers.

3. Review Grants & Agreements

Deadlines pile up quickly in Q4. Now is the time to:

  • Make sure grant reporting is current.
  • Double-check that you’re complying with all restrictions and conditions.
  • Prepare for upcoming funding cycles with a clear understanding of what your policies require.

4. Get a Head Start on Year-End Filings

Whether it’s IRS Form 990, Maryland charity registration renewals, or simply organizing your financial documentation, laying the groundwork now will make tax season far less stressful.

5. Shore Up Risk Management

Insurance and risk policies often get less attention than programs and fundraising, but they’re just as critical. Q4 is a good moment to:

  • Revisit your general liability and directors & officers (D&O) coverage.
  • Update emergency response or crisis communication plans.
  • Reassess cybersecurity protections, especially for donor data.

Cultivating Resilience

Just as fall in nature is a time of preparation, fall in the life of a nonprofit is a time to marshal resources and strengthen foundations. By tackling these organizational “tune-ups” now—by locking in on what really matters—your nonprofit will be better positioned to close out the year strong and step into the new year with confidence.

And if your board or staff could use support with policy reviews, training, or compliance check-ins, this is a great season to reach out to trusted consultants, financial professionals, or legal counsel. They can help your organization “Lock In.” A little preventive care now can save a lot of stress later—and keep your focus where it belongs: protecting and restoring the places and communities 

Find out how we can help you.

--Jennifer Wazenski

Watershed Legal Counsel advises private clients and government instrumentalities in environmental and natural resources matters, serves as outside general counsel for mission-driven enterprises in the environmental sector, and provides strategic legal services that help organizations manage change. Founder Jennifer Wazenski is a Maryland attorney who has practiced environmental and natural resources law since 1991. She served as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources from 2010 through 2021, and, prior to that, Deputy Counsel to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Disclaimer: Attorney advertising. The information provided at this site is for general purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.

© 2025 Watershed Legal Counsel. All rights reserved.

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