Ep 215| Giving USA 2026 - The Fundraiser's Breakdown

Send us Fan MailGiving hit a record high in 2025. What's underneath that number will shape your fundraising strategy for the next decade.Americans gave $617 billion to charity in 2025, a record, and real growth even after inflation. Five of nine nonprofit categories hit all-time highs. The sector showed up!!But the Giving USA 2026 report tells a more layered story. Jena Lynch and Britt Stockert dig into what's really shifting, and what it means for how nonprofits build donor relationships, plan for foundation funding, and think about legacy giving.What You'll LearnWhy $617 billion is a record, even adjusted for inflationHow mega gifts are shaping the individual giving numbersWhat a 16% drop in foundation inflows signals for 2026 and 2027Why bequest giving jumped 19.7%, and what it means for the Great Wealth TransferWhy your most loyal donors are your best legacy giving prospectsWhat younger donors expect from the giving experienceChapters00:00:  Introduction01:44:   Giving USA 2026 - The Headline Number02:15:    Real Growth, Not Just Inflation04:41:   The Mega Gifts Effect07:51:    The Foundation Grant Cliff09:48:   Individual Giving Hits a 40-Year Low12:49:    The Great Wealth Transfer Arrives15:46:    What Younger Donors Expect18:03:    Key Takeaways for NonprofitsResources and LinksGiving USA 2026 Report  Ep 117 |The Great Wealth Transfer: The Big Nonprofit AdvantageEp 209| The Real Reason Donors Stop Giving - With Rob Harter Darrin Cook| Staying Close to Your Donors: A Practical Guide to Retention Donorbox OmniGive™Donation Forms About the HostsJena Lynch - Head of Community Engagement, DonorboxJena specialises in donor stewardship, retention, and peer-to-peer fundraising. She works closely with nonprofit teams to strengthen donor relationships and build practical systems that support long-term growth. As anchor of The Nonprofit Podcast, she keeps strategy clear, steady, and actionable.Connect with Jena on LinkedInBritt Stockert - Fundraiser Coach, DonorboxWith more than 20 years in the public sector, Britt helps nonprofits build fundraising strategies that match real capacity. She guides teams in strengthening donor relationships, refining systems, and simplifying operations. She also serves on the board of an immigrant- and refugee-led nonprofit and stays closely connected to on-the-ground realities.Connect with Britt on LinkedInAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $4 billion in donations worldwide.  donorbox.orgEnjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show