11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2026
For this tenth edition of the Trends report, we reflect on the themes that have shaped our sector over the past ten years and name both enduring shifts and new developments.
Author: Johnson Center for Philanthropy
The Evolving Landscape of Philanthropy: Collective Practices, Digital Tools, and the Search for Connection
Philanthropy is shifting from institutional to participatory and from elite to networked as digital tools expand access and collective practices redistribute power among the new generation of philanthropists.
Community-Led Movements are Driving Climate Action
Climate action from grassroots organizations, Indigenous communities, and large-scale funders alike is working to fill the gaping holes left by eliminated federal funding, research teams, and entire agencies.
Artificial Intelligence and Philanthropy
This issue features articles on the use of AI in philanthropy, highlighting leaders who forged ahead while acknowledging risks, deploying AI for different purposes, and then thoughtfully reflecting on their experiences.
Public Trust in Transition
Building on previous research, we examine the extent to which the public trusts nonprofits, government, corporations, and others, and whether that trust is consistent across sectors and sub-sectors.
Meeting Points: Places of Connection, Transition, and Change
Fiscal year 2024-2025 was a year of meeting points and connections for the Johnson Center. We experienced these intersections in powerful ways — as an organization and as part of a sector and a society undergoing profound change.
The Current Landscape of Hybrid and Remote Work Across U.S. Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models, especially in nonprofits. Despite initial shifts, the majority of U.S. workers have returned to fully on-site work, challenging assumptions about the prevalence of remote work.
Trustworthy or Not: Trust, Generosity, and the Role of Community Foundations in Mexico
In Mexico, community foundations are building vital bridges of trust between donors and civil society, turning philanthropic intent into lasting local impact.
The Power of Listening to Communities
Articles in this issue share the core premise that all funder listening is not equally beneficial. How listening is defined and how funders put it into action make a major difference in what listening can accomplish.
America’s Population is Rapidly Aging. Can Philanthropy Keep Up?
By 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time. As aging issues gain prominence in public policy and philanthropy, stakeholders must embrace innovative approaches to ensure equitable and sustainable support for an aging nation.