As we navigate 2026, the philanthropic landscape has shifted from a focus on tax-driven “deadlines” to a more complex, relationship-based environment. Diocesan leadership must now manage the dual reality of high-net-worth “bunched” giving and a renewed emphasis on local, grassroots impact.

The following five strategies outline how to align diocesan campaigns with the current economic and social climate.

Activating “Pre-Funded” Capital: The DAF Strategy

The massive surge in “gift bunching” at the end of 2025 has created a unique financial environment for 2026. Many lead donors front-loaded their charitable contributions into Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to maximize prior-year tax benefits.

  • The Strategy: The primary goal for major gift officers is no longer soliciting new “out-of-pocket” cash, but rather securing DAF grant recommendations. Since the tax benefit was already realized by the donor, the psychological “cost” of the gift is zero.
  • The Approach: Reframe multi-year financial support as a strategic drawdown from existing DAF balances. By presenting high-impact projects as the “best use” for these parked funds, the Diocese can secure transformational gifts even in a more restrictive tax year.
Empowering the “Everyday Steward” through Direct Giving

While major donors are navigating pre-funded accounts, 2026 has introduced a significant opportunity for the broader parish base. New tax provisions now allow for a universal charitable deduction—a $1,000 (individual) or $2,000 (couple) “above-the-line” deduction for those who do not itemize.

  • The Strategy: Public phase messaging should lean into this new incentive to expand giving among first-time and lapsed donor segments. This is the year to reinvigorate the “Parish Division,” marketing the direct tax benefit of cash and credit card gifts made straight to the Diocese or parish.
  • The Insight: Highlighting this benefit counters the narrative that only large-scale philanthropy matters. It empowers middle-income families to see their $50-a-month commitment as both a spiritual act and a federally recognized tax-smart decision.
Filling the Gap: The Church as the Essential Safety Net

Philanthropy in 2026 can be characterized by “Community Resiliency.” As federal and state funding for social services—such as SNAP and Medicaid—faces ongoing contraction, the role of the Church as social services provider has moved to the forefront.

  • The Strategy: The case for support for social pillars (Catholic Charities, food security, family centers) should be framed as a civic, as well as spiritual, necessity. Donors are currently seeking “tangible impact” to offset the erosion of the public safety net.
  • The Insight: Positioning the Diocese as an agile, local alternative to massive, slow-moving government programs appeals to both religious and civic-minded donors who want to see their dollars solve immediate local crises.
Investing in Parish Longevity and Financial Resilience

Inflationary pressures continue to squeeze parish operational budgets. Donors are increasingly wary of “top-down” initiatives that might further strain their local communities.

  • The Strategy: Development efforts must demonstrate a “Return to the Parish” model. Framing the campaign or development efforts as an investment in parish resilience—funding staff positions, deferred maintenance, and security upgrades—subsidizes local costs that would otherwise fall on a dwindling parish general fund.
  • The Insight: Modern donors expect transparency. Clearly articulating how a diocesan-wide effort creates a rising tide for all parishes helps bridge the trust gap and reduces the “parish vs. chancery” tension.
Adapting to a Two-Tiered Economic Reality

The 2026 economy remains “K-shaped,” where asset-wealthy donors continue to see growth in stocks and real estate, while working-class families face rising everyday costs.

  • The Strategy:
    • The Top Tier: Focus on Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for donors over 70½. This remains the most efficient way for seniors to give without being affected by new itemization “floors.”
    • The Base Tier: For the broader base, emphasize recurring digital giving. Monthly, small-dollar commitments are more sustainable for families facing cost-of-living increases and provide the Diocese with predictable, recession-proof revenue.

About TGC

Drawing on decades of experience, TGC helps faith-based partners articulate their vision, engage their communities, and build sustainable cultures of generosity. From revitalizing aging parish facilities to launching endowment campaigns for Catholic education or developing donor engagement strategies that connect alumni, parishioners, and benefactors, our counsel is rooted in both mission and measurable outcomes.

At The Giving Collaborative, we honor the sacred intersection of faith, leadership, and philanthropy, empowering organizations to advance their ministries, strengthen their communities, and ensure their impact continues to shine for generations to come.