Big things can happen: Don’t give up on corporate donors

You work in the nonprofit sector, and so you’ve likely heard (and felt!) the concern: will changes in the tax landscape and broader economic uncertainty cause companies to pull back on charitable giving?

It’s a fair question. Corporate leaders are navigating shifting conditions, from tax law changes to market pressures, and in some cases, companies are reevaluating how and where they give. Headlines about reductions or restructuring in corporate philanthropy can add to the uncertainty. If you are feeling a bit of "donor fatigue" or anxiety about the future of your corporate partnerships, we want you to know that we see you and we are here to help.

But here’s the important takeaway: this is not the time to step back from corporate donors. In fact, it’s exactly the time to lean in. At Kitsap Community Foundation, we see firsthand the incredible impact that happens when local businesses and nonprofits align their goals. Corporate philanthropy isn't disappearing; it is simply finding a new rhythm.

Understanding the shift in corporate giving

For years, corporate giving often felt like a standard transaction. A company wrote a check, their logo went on a banner, and everyone moved on. In 2026, the landscape is much more nuanced. Businesses are looking for deeper alignment with their core values and more significant evidence of impact.

Even as some companies adjust their formal giving programs, others are finding new ways to support communities, and often in significant ways. Case in point: Liberty Mutual Foundation announced a $600 million endowment to provide long-term, stable funding and increase its grantmaking beyond recent levels, offering nonprofits greater reliability and flexibility. This is a massive signal to the sector that long-term sustainability is the new priority.

For nonprofits, it can be tempting to interpret changes in corporate giving as a signal to shift focus elsewhere. But doing so risks missing meaningful opportunities. Many corporate leaders continue to prioritize community investment, even if the structure looks different from what it did in the past. In some cases, large-scale gifts are still happening, just in ways that are more targeted, more strategic, or more closely tied to a company’s mission and values.

Why relationships remain the core of corporate philanthropy

Indeed, corporate philanthropy is not disappearing; it’s evolving. Behind every corporate gift decision is a group of individuals: executives, board members, and employees, who still care deeply about making a difference. That’s why relationships matter more than ever. Remember, your organization’s relationships aren’t with the companies themselves; they’re with the people who work at those companies. Everything else flows from there.

When we talk to businesses in Kitsap County, they tell us they want to feel connected to the results. They want to know that their investment is moving the needle on local issues. This is why KCF is so committed to being a bridge. We help facilitate these connections, ensuring that the passion of the business owner meets the specific needs of your nonprofit.

Here’s how you can take action now to revitalize your corporate fundraising program:

1. Expand your stewardship list

Review your donor cultivation lists and make sure you’ve included not only each company generically, but also specific individuals who work at those companies. Corporate leaders and other employees involved must be on the stewardship list.

2. Think beyond the “corporate hat”

Executives and employees are individuals, too! They wear many hats, including personal commitments to charitable causes. They’re likely involved in giving through multiple channels, including donor-advised funds, family foundations, or personal philanthropy. A strong relationship with a corporate leader often can extend beyond the company itself, creating multiple avenues for support over time.

When you talk to a local business owner, remember that they might be looking for ways to give personally while also managing their company's charitable budget. They might want to set up a DAF through KCF to handle their private giving, or they might be interested in how they can give through more complex assets. When you build trust with them as a leader, you often unlock these other doors of support.

3. Think outside the box

Now is not the time to get stuck in the past. The corporate engagement tools that got you where you are today are not the same tools that will get you where you need to go. Corporate donors will likely be looking for different types of partnerships than they did before.

This could include:

• Supporting specific initiatives tied to measurable outcomes.

• Engaging employees through volunteerism or matching gift programs.

• Aligning charitable investments with business priorities (like a tech company supporting STEM education).

• Exploring multi-year commitments that provide stability and impact.

  
  

Don't be afraid to propose something new. Maybe it’s a co-branded campaign or a specialized grant for a pilot project. Corporate donors today value innovation and agility.

How KCF supports your long-term success

As you build your organization’s endowment or reserve fund at Kitsap Community Foundation, our team is happy to serve as a sounding board, especially to help you and your colleagues stay focused on impact. If you’ve not yet established your organization’s endowment or reserve fund at KCF, let’s talk! Many organizations find our services to be extremely helpful, ranging from investments to assistance with complex gifts and much more.

Having a fund at KCF doesn't just provide financial stability; it sends a message to corporate donors that your organization is thinking about the future. It shows that you have the infrastructure to manage significant gifts responsibly. We are honored to manage these funds for our local partners, ensuring that the resources you work so hard to raise are invested wisely and ready for the long haul.

Moving forward with confidence

Even in times of change, the need for strong nonprofit organizations and the work they do does not diminish. Corporate donors understand this. Many are looking for trusted partners who can deliver meaningful results and help them make a difference in the communities where they operate.

We see this every year during the Kitsap Great Give, where local businesses step up in incredible ways to support the community. They aren't just giving because it’s a tax deduction; they are giving because they are part of the fabric of Kitsap.

The bottom line? Don’t rule out a strong corporate fundraising program! Instead, continue building relationships, stay engaged, and share stories of impact. Even in a changing landscape, big things can still happen, and often do, when the right connections are in place.