Planning for the Future of Charitable Giving (Part 2 of 2)
Understanding the trends shaping giving patterns is only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in how organizations respond. As donor behavior evolves and fundraising becomes less predictable, nonprofits have an opportunity to strengthen relationships, refine their strategies and build greater resilience for the years ahead.
What Nonprofits Should Do Differently in 2026 and 2027
The evolving fundraising landscape presents challenges, but it also creates opportunities. CCS Fundraising’s 2026 “Philanthropy Pulse” report found that non-profit leaders are increasingly focused on long-term sustainability and donor engagement as they adapt to changing conditions. By taking a proactive, relationship-focused approach, nonprofits can build a stronger fundraising strategy.
Take a Closer Look at Major Donors
As charitable giving becomes more concentrated, every major donor relationship becomes increasingly valuable. Now is the time to review top donors and identify those whose giving patterns are most likely to change in the coming years.
In addition to engaging, well-timed communications via direct mail and email, invest in meaningful, year-round engagement. Consistent stewardship helps ensure your organization remains a priority when donors make significant giving decisions. Organizations that clearly articulate their mission, communicate measurable outcomes and create meaningful donor experiences will be better positioned to earn long-term support.
Expand Planned Giving Communications
Planned giving should no longer be a topic reserved for long-time donors nearing retirement or one that comes up once a year around tax season. Incorporate planned giving into year-round communications and normalize conversations about estate planning as an extension of lifelong generosity.
Equally important is how these opportunities are shared. Tax incentives and ways of giving aren’t the headlines – be sure to tell stories that reinforce the mission and illustrate the lasting impact legacy gifts make.
Adjust Fundraising Calendars for Multi-Year Gift Cycles
As donors increasingly consolidate gifts or use tax-efficient giving strategies, annual fundraising results may become less predictable. A record-breaking year may reflect the timing of several major gifts or a large bequest rather than sustained growth, while a slower year may simply represent a shift in giving cycles.
Organizations can prepare by adopting a multi-year perspective and helping boards and leadership teams understand why short-term fluctuations don’t always reflect the overall health of a fundraising program.
Strengthen Donor Retention and Year-Round Stewardship
While focusing on major gifts and bequests, nonprofits shouldn’t overlook opportunities to re-engage everyday donors who may now benefit from the restored charitable deduction.
Every interaction between solicitations is an opportunity to reinforce trust, demonstrate impact, and strengthen connection to your mission. Build communication journeys that reflect donors’ interests, giving history, and level of engagement. Share stories of lives changed, programs advanced, and communities strengthened.
Remember, while tax incentives may influence how or when someone gives, it’s the organization’s mission and trustworthiness that inspire people to give again and again.
Key Fundraising Opportunities in 2026 & Beyond
The giving landscape is shifting, but success in the future remains rooted in the most basic principle – building strong relationships with those who are invested in the mission.
While recent trends and policy changes may influence the timing and structure of some charitable gifts, donors continue to support organizations they trust, believe in and feel connected to. That makes thoughtful stewardship and compelling communication more important than ever.
Organizations that invest in major donor cultivation, ongoing planned giving conversations, year-round stewardship, and multi-year forecasting will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and create sustainable growth for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Charitable Giving Changes
How will new tax laws affect charitable giving in 2026 and 2027?
The new tax law may change when and how some donors give, but not necessarily whether they give. Nonprofits should expect shifts in giving patterns rather than overall generosity.
What is donation bunching, and how should organizations prepare?
Donation bunching is when donors combine multiple years of gifts into one tax year to maximize deductions. Therefore, plan for greater year-to-year fundraising variability.
Why are major gifts becoming more important for nonprofits?
Fewer donors are contributing a larger share of charitable dollars, making major donor relationships increasingly important.
How can nonprofits encourage planned giving?
Start the conversation early, share legacy stories, and make planned giving part of year-round donor communications.
How should non-profit leaders forecast fundraising revenue over the next several years?
Focus on long-term metrics like donor retention, major gifts, and planned giving, not just annual fundraising totals.
How can nonprofits improve donor communications to adjust to changing trends?
Communicate consistently, personalize outreach ,and focus on mission and impact. Strong relationships drive long-term giving.
Need Help Planning for What’s Next?
While giving trends continue to evolve, every nonprofit’s path forward is different. Success starts with understanding your donors and building lasting relationships through thoughtful communications and stewardship. Riger Marketing partners with nonprofits to create strategies tailored to their unique audiences, helping our clients adapt to today and plan for tomorrow.