Conference 2026: The New Landscape for Charitable Giving Incentives

Speaker(s): Kathleen Gregory, Director of Development, Public Justice Center; Karen Isble, Board Chair, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra; and Sally Schaeffer, President, Uncorked Advocates

While the impulse to give comes from the heart, the size and timing of charitable donations is strongly influenced by federal tax policy. Major changes in giving incentives take effect in 2026, with potential for both expanding the base of donors to orchestras and changing the pace and scale of current donations. This practical session walks through the adjustments in tax policy that are likely to shape giving at the individual, corporate, and foundation levels in the coming years and what to expect from donors going forward. Experts from the wider nonprofit sector describe what’s new, how it could influence private philanthropy, and how to talk with your orchestra’s supporters about these shifts in simple, clear ways.

Photo Credit: Amy Raab Photography