An annual report released by the Dorothy A. Johnson
Center for Philanthropy examines 11 key trends expected to shape
nonprofit organizations, foundations and communities in 2026, as the
sector navigates a period of heightened funding uncertainty.
Now in its 10th year, the Johnson Center’s “11 Trends in Philanthropy” report analyzes emerging developments while reflecting
on the forces that have shaped the field since the center published
its first list in 2017.
Tory Martin
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
“People are hungry for trustworthy insights about where
philanthropy is heading,” said Tory Martin, director of engagement
and knowledge building for the Johnson Center. “‘11 Trends in
Philanthropy,’ aims to help leaders understand how giving behaviors
are shifting, where communities are investing their energy, and how
organizations can align their work with what donors and volunteers
value most.”
Researched and authored by teams at the Johnson Center,
this year’s report explores trends such as:
Beyond good intentions, nonprofits must show good
work to build trust
Weighing the power of AI against its impact
Public and nonprofit media facing existential threats
Where the government steps back, business and
philanthropy can step forward together
Innovation and survival: The charitable sector is
looking for new ways to work
Community-led movements are driving climate action
Partners no more? Government and philanthropy
navigate a fractured relationship
We need data and we need context. Both are at risk
Employee well-being at risk during times of hyper disruption
Donors face new dangers amid increasing political
violence and attacks on charitable foundations
The evolving landscape of philanthropy: Collective
practices, digital tools and the search for connection
The Johnson Center will continue the discussion during
a live webinar featuring some of the sector’s leading voices. The
event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on February 10 and includes panelists
Glen Galaich, CEO of the Stupski Foundation; Elisha Smith Arrillaga,
vice president of research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy;
and Victoria Vrana, CEO of GlobalGiving. Visit the Johnson Center website to
register for the event.
The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, based
at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, connects nonprofit
and foundation practitioners, scholars, students and partners in
business and government. Established in 1992 with support from the
W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Johnson Center’s mission is to help
individuals and organizations understand, strengthen and advance
philanthropy. Its vision is to foster a smart, adaptive sector that
builds strong, inclusive communities.