Are your messages out of date?

If your organization’s donor communications feel a little routine, you are not alone. For years, many nonprofits relied on familiar messaging, especially around tax benefits, to encourage giving. But in 2026, the landscape has changed. With it, the way your donors are likely to respond has shifted as well. At Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF), we have observed that the old playbook is not quite hitting the mark like it used to.

Recent analysis highlights a clear shift: changes in tax law are reshaping incentives for giving and challenging traditional fundraising approaches. The implication for nonprofits is straightforward but important. Continuing to rely on the same messaging may not be enough to sustain donor engagement. We want to help you bridge that gap.

For decades, year-end appeals often centered on a simple idea: "Make your tax-deductible gift before December 31." That approach worked when tax incentives were a primary driver for many donors. Today, those incentives have changed. Donor behavior is evolving along with them. Specifically, it is not too early to start rethinking your year-end campaign strategy. Indeed, it is essential.

So what does that look like in practice? We have gathered three key observations to help you navigate this new era of philanthropy in Kitsap County.

Year-long campaigns and messages, not just year-end

Changes in the law mean you ought to consider shifting from solely tax-centered messaging to tax-centered and impact-centered storytelling. Donors still care deeply about making a difference. However, they increasingly want to understand how their contributions translate into real outcomes. They are looking for the "why" behind their gift rather than just the "when."

What changed because of their gift? Who was helped? What progress was made? Clear, compelling answers to these questions build confidence and deepen engagement. Instead of waiting until December to tell these stories, we encourage you to share them throughout the year. When you create a consistent narrative of impact, you reduce the pressure on a single year-end appeal.

We recommend looking at your current Kitsap Great Give results or recent donor reports. Use that data to fuel a summer or spring update. Show your donors the faces of the people their generosity reached. By the time the holidays roll around, your donors will already feel connected to your mission. The year-end gift becomes a continuation of a story they are already part of, rather than a last-minute tax transaction.

Tax planning is not one-size-fits-all

It is important to recognize that not all donors are motivated in the same way by charitable tax deductions. The new tax environment affects different groups in different ways. Some donors may give less because incentives have weakened. Others, especially those newly eligible for smaller, "above-the-line" deductions, may be encouraged to give for the first time or increase their participation. Nonprofits that tailor their messaging to different audiences, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, can expand their reach and build a more resilient donor base.

We suggest segmenting your donor list. Look at who has consistently given regardless of tax changes. These are your mission-driven stalwarts. Then, look at those who only give in December. They might need a different nudge.

Methods of giving are changing

It is time to pay closer attention to how donors are actually giving. Donor-advised funds, for example, at Kitsap Community Foundation and through other sponsors, continue to play a significant and growing role in philanthropy.

This means nonprofits need to make it easy for donors to recommend grants from donor-advised funds to their organizations. You should promptly acknowledge those gifts and maintain strong relationships with us. Our team is here to do just that. We serve as a bridge between the donor's financial goals and your organization's mission.

Please reach out to learn more about how donor-advised funds work and how our donors are using them to support your organization and other favorite nonprofits. We often see donors using their DAFs to "bunch" their giving. This involves making a large contribution to their fund in one year to maximize tax benefits, then distributing that money to nonprofits like yours over several years. If you understand this rhythm, you will not be surprised if a donor’s personal gift disappears but is replaced by a KCF check.

How Kitsap Community Foundation supports your mission

The good news is that these changes, while challenging, also create opportunity. Organizations that refine their messaging now, making it clearer, more relevant, and more focused on impact, can strengthen relationships, attract new donors, and build long-term support. In many cases, this is less about saying more and more about saying the right things.

Please reach out anytime! Kitsap Community Foundation offers a range of insights and services to support your stewardship efforts, including supporting your planned and legacy giving strategies. We look forward to hearing from you!