February 17, 2026
The Impact Issue #100: Is Trust-Based Philanthropy Shifting? How to Stay Ready!
Donor behavior data, AI tools, and a $7M grant strategy.
Welcome to The Impact!
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s this: the rules of fundraising don’t stay fixed for long. From shifts in trust-based philanthropy to changing donor expectations to new tech tools constantly entering the mix, grant teams are being asked to stay flexible and strategic—all at the same time.
In this issue, we’re digging into what it really means to be future-ready. You’ll find practical ways to prepare for evolving funder requirements, data-backed insights on how donors actually give, a smart new AI tool that you can start using today, and a real-world example of how one organization scaled its grant strategy to support a $7M vision.
We’ve got a lot to talk about. So, let’s get into it!
Don't Miss Out
As federal budgets finalize and agency priorities take shape, a new wave of grant funding is on the horizon. If a federal opportunity opened tomorrow, would your organization be ready?
On February 26, join Rachel Werner (MyFedTrainer and RBW Strategy) and Tonia Brown-Kinzel (The Grant Plant) for a strategic briefing on what current budget signals mean and how to prepare before new opportunities are released.
You’ll walk away knowing how to:
- Decode federal budget signals to anticipate timing and priority shifts
- Position your organization now so you are competitive on day one
- Prepare for heightened compliance expectations and reduce risk
Pitfalls and Pointers
According to the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s 11 Trends for Philanthropy in 2026, some funders are reconsidering or even pulling back from trust-based philanthropy. While many nonprofits have embraced unrestricted giving and streamlined reporting, this shift may signal a new wave of complexity in funder expectations.
⚠️ Pitfall: Assuming Trust-Based Philanthropy Is Here to Stay
Relying too heavily on unrestricted grants and relaxed reporting structures can leave your team scrambling when funders reintroduce traditional requirements. Without systems in place to track outcomes, align deliverables, or justify funding impact, you risk losing credibility and/or renewal opportunities.
💡 Pointer: Future-Proof Your Grant Strategy With Flexible Infrastructure
If you’re currently enjoying flexible funder terms, that’s great! But the most resilient and successful grant teams are prepared for reporting and compliance requirements to return at any time.
To get your team ready, make sure to:
- Create internal reporting systems - Internal systems and organization will be key to your success if your funders suddenly change their compliance requirements. Consider using tools like Instrumentl’s grant tracker (which will also save you time), so you’re always ready.
- Standardize how you document impact - Don’t overlook the importance of documenting impact. Build an internal impact report template now (data + stories), so you’re not caught off guard later.
- Blend unrestricted funds and project-based grants - this helps maintain cash flow and resilience, even when funder preferences shift.
- Invest in training - learning how to align deliverables, tell a funder-focused impact story, and manage post-award compliance keeps your team agile no matter what.
Want to make sure you’re grant-ready with or without trust-based terms?
🎯 Start here: develop a future-proof annual grant strategy!
Tech You Should Know
What
Jotform’s AI Form Builder for Nonprofits. Jotform has launched a free, AI-powered form builder specifically tailored for nonprofits. It can create:
- Volunteer signup forms
- Donation tracking sheets
- Event registration pages
- Internal workflows (like onboarding checklists or feedback forms)
You just type a prompt like “create a donation form with a monthly giving option,” and it builds the layout, fields, and logic for you. Voila!
How Fundraisers Can Use It
- Build donor feedback forms and monthly giving signup pages
- Streamline internal grant reporting checklists or program participation tracking
- Save time on admin tasks with ready-to-edit branded forms
Keep in Mind
This is still an AI tool—it’s fast, but not flawless. Review your forms for tone, accessibility, and accuracy before you share them with donors or partners.
📄 Explore how you can use Jotform’s AI form builder to work smarter today!
Featured Nonprofit
🏆 Chuck Molinski on Turning Grant Chaos Into a $7M Strategy
When the Goodwill Excel Center expanded to multiple campuses, Chuck Molinski, Vice President of Education, knew they needed funding and a grant strategy that could scale. But like many growing organizations, their process relied on spreadsheets, scattered notes, and disconnected team efforts, making it hard to stay organized or move quickly on high-impact items.
Here’s how Instrumentl made a difference:
- Adopting Instrumentl gave the team a centralized hub to manage deadlines, coordinate roles, and streamline their entire grant pipeline.
- With tools like the AI grant assistant and document library, they dramatically reduced turnaround time while surfacing 300+ potential funders for a single initiative.
- By moving beyond patchwork tools, Chuck’s team unlocked the capacity to pursue a $7M growth plan and built the internal confidence to go after it.
Want to learn how to scale your grant strategy?
⭐ Listen to Chuck’s full story here!
The Latest Numbers
New donor behavior data from RallyUp’s 2026 roundup reveals something many fundraisers suspect (and now have the numbers to back up): when it comes to giving, personal beats generic, and specificity beats broad strokes.
RallyUp’s insights come from over 1,000 US donors and uncover what actually drives donations year-round. Here’s what they found:
- 46% of donors are more likely to give when personally asked - whether that’s via email, phone call, or in-person.
- 72% of donors give to support a specific cause they care deeply about, not just a general mission or organization.
- 56% say they give because it makes them feel good, not because of social pressure or tax benefits.
Why does this matter for fundraisers?
Mass giving appeals have their place, but they won’t carry you through 2026. These numbers make the case for relationship-based fundraising, including personalized messaging, cause-centered storytelling, and emotional connection.
Here’s how you can fundraise smarter using these insights:
- Revisit your segmentation strategy. Are you sending the same ask to first-time donors and major givers? Use what you know to personalize subject lines, giving levels, and impact stories.
- Lead with programs, not the organization. Zoom in on the specific initiative, outcome, or beneficiary a donor will support—then tie that to their past engagement or interests.
- Don’t skip the follow-up. A second, personal ask (even just a “Did you see this?” email) could convert nearly half of your audience!
If you need a refresher on donor management tips, don’t stress!
👉 Check out this guide to donor management best practices now!
Opportunities Spotlight
🐔 Franklin P. and Arthur W. Purdue Foundation
Who It’s For: IRS-registered nonprofits serving communities where Purdue Farms associates live and work.
Next Deadline: March 31, 2026
Grant Amount: Over $1,000
The Details:
- Supports nonprofits that strengthen education, agriculture and the environment, health and social services, public safety, and efforts to fight hunger and poverty.
- Submissions are reviewed quarterly and are due on the last day of December, March, June, and September.
- Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.
🎨 Joseph Robert Foundation Grant
Who It’s For: Nonprofits and individual artists serving the Mid-Atlantic region
Next Deadline: April 30, 2026
Grant Amount: Typically $5,000-$10,000
The Details:
- Nonprofits/artists must be located in the Mid-Atlantic region, which covers New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
- Priority is given to small nonprofits with annual budgets under $300,000
- Individual artists must be working in the visual arts and can apply for project-based support
- Applicants must have at least one year of operating history
Don’t miss out on even more good-fit grant opportunities!
🔍 Explore thousands of other grant opportunities now!
Networking Nook
💻 Webinar: How High-Performing Teams Build Grant Systems That Scale
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 1 PM EST
High-performing grant teams win by building systems that scale. Join Instrumentl to learn how to build systems that manage the full grant lifecycle while keeping your team organized and focused on what matters most.
Save your seat!
📅 Conference: Engage for Good Conference
April 21-24, 2026 | Palm Springs, CA
Engage for Good is a premier gathering for nonprofit, CSR, and social impact leaders focused on building purpose-driven partnerships and practical, measurable impact strategies. Expect inspiring keynotes, workshops, tactical sessions, and awkwardness-free networking opportunities designed to help you elevate your organization’s social impact and build lasting relationships.
Registration is open now!
To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.
In Case You Missed It
📑 Article: 7 Steps to Write an Annual Appeal Letter for Nonprofits
This practical guide breaks down how to craft a compelling annual appeal letter that strengthens donor relationships and boosts unrestricted funding. From storytelling and urgency to clear calls to action, it gives you a step-by-step roadmap to connect emotionally with supporters and improve results.
📼 Video: Fundraising Trends You Need to Know for 2026
Hosted by the Fundraising Leadership Podcast, this timely YouTube video highlights the latest patterns shaping fundraising success, including shifts in donor behavior and engagement strategies that work right now—perfect for planning your campaigns for the year ahead.
🎙️ Podcast: Will AI Financing Affect Your Fundraising?
AI is already helping fundraisers write donor letters and identify major givers - but could the tech boom behind it threaten the economy? In this episode of The First Day, Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., unpacks the promise and the potential pitfalls of AI, with practical steps to protect your fundraising strategy if the bubble bursts.
Stop Digging - Start Winning
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Say goodbye to messy spreadsheets and endless Google searches. With smart funder matches, deadline tracking, and built-in collaboration tools, you’ll have everything you need to stay focused and funded.
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