2026 Fundraising Trends
What you need to know: Fundraising in 2026 will be shaped by five major trends:
The adoption of AI to conduct donor research and engagement is growing in popularity
A new tax deduction for standard filers that has the potential to unlock $20 billion in giving
Giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs) is estimated to reach $326 billion in assets
Persistent economic uncertainty may lead to a divide between major and everyday donors
Staff care and retention need to be a high priority amid widespread burnout.
Why This Matters for Revenue Growth: Revenue strategy must adapt to a fundamentally shifting landscape. The new tax law creates an unprecedented opportunity to engage 90% of taxpayers who previously had no charitable tax incentive, potentially building your donor pipeline for the coming wealth transfer.
DAFs now rival foundations in grantmaking power but require new engagement strategies.
Economic volatility is creating a two-tier donor base, with major gifts sustaining operations while grassroots giving declines.
Staying in the Game: Organizations should work to identify where AI can help to enhance their fundraising practices, particularly AI efficiency, DAF donor cultivation, and tax-break education, will incr
Link to the full article or resource
