We don’t think anyone had half of the things that have happened so far in 2026 on their proverbial bingo card. Geopolitical and financial uncertainties make it hard for anyone to be a leader. How do you make decisions when so little is known about the future? We get how tough it is. That’s why we encourage you to set your sights on the things you can control and what you can predict. Here are our picks for what to look for in 2026.
Read on as we explore key trends that nonprofits should be aware of, including AI, remote work, values-led fundraising, and burnout. There are a lot of variables that figure into the success of churches, nonprofits, values-based businesses, and schools. While we can’t always control them, we can at least be prepared for what could lie ahead.
AI integration
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly accessible and powerful. If you’re not using it already, it’s time to start.
You and your team can leverage AI for:
- Data analysis to identify donor patterns and improve outreach
- Automation of routine tasks, freeing up staff for more strategic work
- Personalized communication with supporters
But at the same time, be sure to watch out for incoming AI. Review cover letters carefully, always be skeptical of anything that seems like it could be a scam, and don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
AI isn’t as scary or as foreign as it used to be. Be ready to embrace it, identify it, and use it in a way that works for you and your team. You can keep your authenticity, values, and brand while using AI to streamline and improve processes.
Remote work works
Remote work is no longer temporary. It’s here to stay.
You might consider:
- Developing long-term remote work policies
- Investing in technology to support distributed teams
- Ensuring team cohesion and communication in a remote setting
As we’ve said before, offering remote work options can be a great benefit for staff. It costs very little, if anything, to give, and can be a real differentiator for top talent when considering whether to join your team or another.
Values-led fundraising
In the same way that your younger team members are, donors are increasingly seeking alignment with organizations that share their values.
Be sure that your organization can:
- Clearly articulate your mission, values, and impact in fundraising efforts
- Engage with donors on a deeper level, emphasizing impact over transactions
- Demonstrate transparency and accountability in your operations
When you lead with your values and your mission, you may find you’re getting fewer donors. But, like the marketing concept of leads vs sales qualified leads, the donors you do get will be much more valuable.
Addressing burnout
Increased demands on our nervous system makes it harder to focus on the day-to-day. We’re less resilient, and even if we wanted to do our jobs well, there are so many other things that seem like emergencies competing for our attention. 2026 is a year to treat your team with grace. These are exceptional times, and it’s important to make sure your staff has what they need to stay strong in the face of so much uncertainty. Because once you’re on the edge of burnout — a real phenomenon characterised by exhaustion and loss of interest in work — it’s incredibility to come back from it.
Make sure you prioritize:
- Promoting healthy digital habits among staff
- Providing resources and support for mental well-being
- Giving staff opportunities to focus on and enjoy small wins you achieve every day
Welcome to the balancing act
We are facing more challenges than ever here in 2026, but smart leaders will face them head on. Watching out for these key trends will help you prepare for whatever comes your way.
