What should you be focusing on this year to keep your nonprofit strong, strategic, and sustainable? In this special episode, I asked a group of brilliant nonprofit professionals and consultants to share their predictions for 2026—and what they believe mission-driven organizations need to do now to prepare. From leveraging AI to treating retention as a growth strategy, these insights are sharp, actionable, and forward-thinking. I’ve pulled together their responses in this episode to help you zoom out and think big—without losing focus on what actually works.
2026 Predictions at a Glance:
- Tess Conrad (Full Potential Fundraising)
- Fundraising: Mid-sized nonprofits are shifting to prioritize Planned Giving, focusing on donors’ assets, not just cash.
- Laurie Ehrlich (Elevate Marketing Strategy)
- Communication, Marketing, Fundraising: Nonprofits will thrive by using AI as a collaborative tool and embracing clarity, intentionality, and relational engagement.
- Naomi Hattaway (8th & Home | Leaving Well)
- Leadership, Organizational Resilience: Foundations will step up with capacity-building and cohort learning, not just checks.
- Daniel Francavilla (The Good Growth Company)
- Communication, Marketing: Donor retention will become a growth strategy; trust and brand clarity will be key to long-term success.
- Rachel Bearbower (Nonprofit Automation Agency)
- Automation/Technology: Automation will become essential infrastructure for sustainability and consistency.
- Jess Campbell (Out in the Boons)
- Marketing: Nonprofits that don’t prioritize email list growth will struggle to hit their fundraising goals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why planned giving is no longer just for large organizations—and how to get started now
- How automation and AI can support real relationships, not replace them
- What funders can do differently to build long-term nonprofit resilience
3 Key Takeaways:
- Mid-sized charities are stepping up: 2026 marks a turning point in planned giving adoption beyond just the big players.
- Retention > acquisition: Smart content, segmentation, and relationship-building will beat spray-and-pray fundraising strategies.
- Infrastructure matters: Systems, automation, and cohort-based support are critical for scale, sustainability, and avoiding burnout.
Want to work together?
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