|
Tax law changes | Out-of-date messages
Greetings from DCCF!
At DCCF, we’re honored to partner with nonprofit organizations that are making a difference every day. We know that your work is both inspiring and challenging—especially as donor behavior evolves, economic conditions shift, and new tax laws begin to influence how and when people give.
This month, we’re focusing on what this moment means for your organization. Donors are paying attention in new ways, and with the right approach, this can be a powerful opportunity to strengthen relationships, refine your messaging, and build long-term support for your mission.
“Say what? The tax laws changed?”
Many donors are only now beginning to understand how recent tax law changes affect giving. Let’s explore why donor behavior may feel unpredictable—and how you can stay proactive by communicating clearly, staying engaged, and helping donors navigate their options.
Are your messages out of date?
As tax incentives shift, traditional fundraising messages may no longer resonate the way they once did. Now is the time to refine your communications—focusing on impact, tailoring your message to different audiences, and adapting to changing donor preferences.
Thank you for all you do! We are grateful for our partnership!
Lori Trenholm,
Director of Community Investment
|
|
News & Notes
DCCF Current and Upcoming Grant Programs:
The 2026 DCCF Grant Calendar is now available on our website. Post cards are also available at the DCCF office. We love having our nonprofit partners drop by!
Donor advised funds are a very easy way for your organizations to receive donations; however, there are a few IRS restrictions--especially about fundraisers and events. Take a moment and review the guidelines on the DCCF website here.
DCCF Grants Management System
The DCCF Grants Management System has a refreshed, new look on your Dashboard and Organization Summary pages! We hope it’s easier to navigate to find historical and current applications and grant reports. To watch a 5-minute tutorial click here. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please email Lori Trenholm, loritrenholm@dccfoundation.org.
The Kansas Association of Community Foundations provides DCCF with monthly updates on available grants for our nonprofit partners! You can find them on our website here. Check back often for new grant opportunities!
DCCF is pleased to provide GrantStation as a complimentary service to our nonprofit partners at the Lawrence Public Library. GrantStation can help you identify potential funding sources for programs or projects, as well as resources to mentor your organization through the grant-seeking process.
If you have questions about any DCCF Grant Program or creating an organization fund, contact Lori Trenholm, Director of Community Investment, loritrenholm@dccfoundation.org.
This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. |
|
|
|
“Say what? The tax laws changed?”
If it feels like donor behavior has been a bit unpredictable lately, you’re not imagining it.
For many nonprofits, the past year has brought a mix of signals—continued generosity in some areas, hesitation in others, and a growing sense that something is shifting. Part of that shift is economic. But part of it is something more subtle: many donors are just now waking up to changes in the tax landscape that have been developing for some time.
Indeed, tax law changes have altered the incentives that once played a larger role in charitable giving. While attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors have been tracking these developments closely, many donors are only now beginning to connect the dots—often after going through the recent tax season and seeing the impact firsthand.
For nonprofits, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge is that some donors may pause. When people feel uncertain—about their financial situation, the economy, or how tax rules affect their giving—they tend to slow down and reassess. This can show up as smaller gifts, delayed decisions, or shifts away from larger commitments. In some cases, donors who previously relied on tax incentives may reconsider how much or how often they give.
But the opportunity is just as important. Moments like this create a natural opening for conversation. As the months pass by, donors are paying more attention. They’re asking questions. And they’re more open than usual to thinking strategically about how their giving fits into their overall financial picture.
This is where you can take action. Keep these points in mind:
- First, it’s important to recognize that not all donors are reacting in the same way. Some may be pulling back, while others are leaning in—especially those focused on long-term impact or who see increased community needs during uncertain times. The key is to stay engaged across your entire donor base, rather than assuming a single trend applies to everyone.
- Second, communication matters more than ever. If donors are just now becoming aware of how tax changes affect their giving, they may be looking for guidance—even if they don’t say it directly. While nonprofits should never provide tax advice, you can play an important role by helping donors understand that options are available and encouraging them to talk with their tax advisors. Simple reminders—such as opportunities with gifts of appreciated assets or Qualified Charitable Distributions—can prompt donors to have conversations with their advisors and keep charitable giving on track to support your organization.
- Third, this is a moment to emphasize purpose over mechanics. Tax incentives may influence timing, but they are rarely the primary reason people give. Donors give because they care about outcomes, about people, and about the future of their communities. When uncertainty increases, returning to that core message—your mission, your impact, and the difference donors make—can help anchor relationships and maintain momentum.
At the same time, it’s important to make giving as easy and flexible as possible. For example, some donors may want to bunch gifts, give through different vehicles, or adjust the timing of their contributions. Others may shift toward more strategic approaches, such as using donor-advised funds or making multi-year commitments. Nonprofits that are prepared for this flexibility—and that communicate clearly about how to give—will be better positioned to retain and grow support. In this area in particular, DCCF can help. Here’s how:
- We will continue to keep you informed of charitable giving trends and tax law developments that may impact the way donors work with you.
- We’ll continue to encourage you to share these updates with your donors.
- We’ll encourage you to become a broken record! You may be tired of hearing about tax law changes, but your donors will appreciate the repetition. They are not always paying attention, and when they do, they will be grateful for your efforts to keep them informed and engaged.
Let’s connect soon! We appreciate the opportunity to work with so many nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in our community every single day. Thank you for your partnership. |
|
|
Are your messages out of date?
If your organization’s donor communications feel a little “routine,” you’re not alone. For years, many nonprofits relied on familiar messaging—especially around tax benefits—to encourage giving. But in 2026, the landscape has changed, and with it, the way your donors are likely to respond.
Recent analysis highlights a clear shift: changes in tax law are reshaping incentives for giving and challenging traditional fundraising approaches. The implication for nonprofits is straightforward but important—continuing to rely on the same messaging may not be enough to sustain donor engagement.
For decades, year-end appeals often centered on a simple idea: “Make your tax-deductible gift before December 31.” That approach worked when tax incentives were a primary driver for many donors. Today, those incentives have changed, and donor behavior is evolving along with them. Specifically, it’s not too early to start rethinking your year-end campaign strategy. Indeed, it’s essential.
So what does that look like in practice? Here are three observations:
Year-long campaigns, not just year-end
Changes in the law mean you ought to consider shifting from solely tax-centered messaging to tax-centered and impact-centered storytelling. Donors still care deeply about making a difference, but they increasingly want to understand how their contributions translate into real outcomes. What changed because of their gift? Who was helped? What progress was made? Clear, compelling answers to these questions build confidence and deepen engagement.
Tax planning is not one-size-fits-all
It’s important to recognize that not all donors are motivated in the same way by charitable tax deductions. The new tax environment affects different groups in different ways. Some donors may give less because incentives have weakened, while others—especially those newly eligible for smaller, “above-the-line” deductions—may be encouraged to give for the first time or increase their participation. Nonprofits that tailor their messaging to different audiences, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, can expand their reach and build a more resilient donor base.
Methods of giving are changing
It’s time to pay closer attention to how donors are actually giving. Donor-advised funds, for example, at DCCF and through other sponsors, continue to play a significant and growing role in philanthropy. That means nonprofits need to make it easy for donors to recommend grants from donor-advised funds to their organizations, promptly acknowledge those gifts, and maintain strong relationships with DCCF. Our team is here to do just that! Please reach out to learn more about how donor-advised funds work and how your donors are using them to support your organization and other favorite nonprofits.
The good news is that these changes, while challenging, also create opportunity. Organizations that refine their messaging now—making it clearer, more relevant, and more focused on impact—can strengthen relationships, attract new donors, and build long-term support. In many cases, this is less about saying more and more about saying the right things.
Please reach out anytime! DCCF offers a range of insights and services to support your stewardship efforts, including supporting your planned and legacy giving strategies. We look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
|
Connecting the diverse citizens and communities of Douglas County through charitable action.
Board of Directors
Webster Golden, Chair
Matt All, Elizabeth Burger, Justin Cordova, Becki Dick, Barb Heeb, Ernesto Hodison, Jason Hornberger, Cindy Maude, Dan Simons, Deanell Reece Tacha, Katie Winter
Executive Director
Chip Blaser
|
|
|
|
