In our twenty years as a firm, we've seen changing economic conditions, changing laws and changing donor behavior. Today, there are even more changes at hand that will provide both challenges and opportunities for savvy nonprofits.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) continue to change the landscape of generosity in the US. These funds offer a donor tax benefit, but they can cloud the connection between a donor and a nonprofit. When receiving a gift from a DAF, it is often incumbent upon the nonprofit to determine the person behind the gift. This detective work pays off in the long run though.
By connecting with the person or family behind the DAF, you move beyond a transactional donation. Not only will you be able to steward that donor in a more intentional way, you'll also be able to understand the donor's intent and interests. Do the work now to dig deeper into recent DAF gifts and make a plan to connect with those donors next year.
Want to learn more about Donor-Advised Funds? Download our free, comprehensive resource guide or check out this blog by DBD Group's Robyn Furness-Fallin to learn more.
You'll probably be writing a lot of thank you notes in the coming days and weeks. As you consider how you're connecting with your supporters, don't just focus on their past impact. Instead, project that impact forward in time. By helping donors understand not just the change they've made, but also the change they might make in the future, you'll open the door to richer conversations and more meaningful giving by the donors who care about your cause most. Learn more about reframing your stewardship efforts in this blog from DBD Group's Gary Laermer.
Changes are coming to the US tax code in 2026 and it will have an impact on donors at many giving levels. As you plan your 2026 communications, consider how you will educate donors about the new opportunities they may have to support the causes they care about and reduce their tax burden.
Starting these reminders early gives your donors time to adjust their plans well before year end 2026 and to make the best decision for their family and their desire to make an impact on the causes that matter most to them. Get up to speed with these changes by reviewing this blog also written by DBD's Robyn Furness-Fallin.
Regardless of a changing economy, changing tax law or changing needs, giving is still personal. As you navigate these new challenges and dig through data, remember that you're always communicating with a person who wants to make a positive impact in the world. The better you know that person and the more you understand about their hopes as a donor, the more likely you are to make a connection that will help you move your mission forward.
DBD Group works with organizations of all sizes and types, helping them to strengthen their annual, capital and planned giving programs. Learn more at dbd.group, or contact us at info@dbd.group.