Preparing Your Nonprofit for Policy Shifts and Corporate Giving Changes
Change is coming for the nonprofit world — and it’s not something to fear. It’s something to prepare for, to embrace, and to leverage.
As nonprofit leaders, we know how fast the landscape can shift. Whether it’s the economy, tax law, or corporate giving strategies, our ability to adapt determines our impact. In this week’s episode of The Influential Nonprofit, I sat down with Matt Nash, Executive Director of the Blackbaud Giving Fund, to talk about the changes heading our way — and more importantly, how we can turn them into opportunities for growth.
After three decades of working with nonprofits, I can tell you this: policy shifts are not just line items in the news. They’re signals — invitations to think differently about how we connect with donors, corporate partners, and communities.
A New Era for Donors
Let’s start with something exciting. In 2026, a new charitable deduction takes effect:
$1,000 for individuals
$2,000 for joint filers
For many nonprofits, this is a game-changer. It means that even donors who don’t itemize their taxes can still deduct charitable contributions. That’s a powerful incentive for mid-level and emerging donors — the people who often give from the heart but don’t always see a financial benefit.
Here’s my advice: start talking about this now.
Donors love to feel informed and empowered. If you’re the organization that helps them understand how giving supports both their hearts and their wallets, you’re building trust and loyalty before this law even takes effect.
The Changing Face of Corporate Giving
Now, let’s talk about corporate philanthropy — because it’s evolving in ways that might surprise you.
With new rules requiring corporations to reach a 1% revenue threshold before deducting their gifts, many companies are rethinking how they give. But instead of shrinking their donations, they’re becoming more strategic.
They’re asking: How can our philanthropy strengthen our brand? How can it connect our employees to purpose?
And that’s where we come in.
This is our opportunity to step in as partners, not petitioners. Companies are looking for missions that align with their values — and when that alignment happens, the relationship becomes more than a check. It becomes collaboration.
If you already have corporate partners, nurture them. Stay in the conversation. Keep them updated on your impact and invite them to be part of the story. If you’re building new relationships, think about shared outcomes. What do you both want to achieve in your community?
As I often say to my clients, “When I’m of value to you, you’ll be of value to me.”
It’s not about asking for more — it’s about offering more.
High-Net-Worth Donors and the Need for Connection
Policy changes are also affecting high-net-worth donors through new adjusted gross income (AGI) limits. For nonprofits, that means it’s time to start proactive conversations with major donors.
Don’t wait for them to ask how these changes affect their giving — lead that discussion. When you position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a recipient, you deepen the relationship and help donors feel more confident about supporting your mission.
These donors want clarity and connection. They want to know their giving aligns with their purpose. When you can provide that emotional link, you create something much more powerful than a transaction — you create trust.
Corporate Giving: The Most Overlooked Goldmine
Here’s a stat Matt shared that stuck with me: 27 million employees in the U.S. have access to workplace giving programs. That’s 27 million opportunities for your nonprofit to be discovered, supported, and funded — and many of those programs offer matching gifts.
If you’re not already visible on corporate giving platforms like NPOconnect or Benevity, now is the time. Make sure your logo, your mission, and your volunteer opportunities are up to date.
And remember, most workplace giving campaigns happen between September and December — so this is your moment.
When employees have a positive volunteer experience with your organization, they don’t just give; they advocate. They bring your story back to their workplace, and that’s how momentum builds.
Leading Through Alignment, Not Fear
One of my favorite parts of this conversation with Matt was his perspective on how nonprofits can approach these shifts. As he said:
“The better and the more clarity that you can have in terms of what’s changing and how it impacts you, the better you can rally your donors to support your mission.”
That’s really the heart of it, isn’t it? Clarity creates confidence — both for you and for your donors.
Too often, we lead from fear. We worry about losing funding, alienating partners, or saying the wrong thing. But when we lead from alignment — when our energy, message, and mission are all working together — we attract the right people, the right donors, and the right opportunities.
My Challenge to You
Take a look at your funding mix and ask yourself:
Where are we too dependent on one type of donor?
How can we engage corporate partners more strategically?
What new opportunities are emerging that we haven’t acted on yet?
And then, focus your energy where it matters most — connection, clarity, and alignment.
Because change will always come. What matters is how you show up for it.
Conclusion: The Future of Giving Starts with You
Every shift in policy, every change in the market, is an opportunity to grow. The nonprofits that thrive are the ones that lead with curiosity and courage.
If you’re ready to move your organization forward with confidence and create deeper, more sustainable donor relationships, let’s talk.
👉 Book a free Influence Activator Call with me — and let’s turn uncertainty into momentum.