Johnson Center releases national philanthropy trends report for 2026

"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.