By Maureen Romito, Philanos Board Co-Chair

Collective giving has always evolved to meet the needs of our communities. Today, that ability to adapt is more important than ever.

Across the nonprofit sector, organizations are navigating a rapidly changing environment shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting public policies, advances in artificial intelligence, and reductions in government funding. At the same time, many nonprofits are being asked to do more with fewer resources.

Recent research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) paints a sobering picture of the challenges nonprofit leaders are facing:

• 73% report increased demand for services since early 2025.
• 65% are concerned about the well-being of the communities they serve.
• 89% are concerned about leader burnout.
• 48% have felt pressure to change how they describe their work because of government pressures.
• 44% have experienced reduced funding from their usual foundation supporters.

Giving USA's 2026 Annual Report tells a complementary story. While Americans continue to give generously, the number of individual donors continues to decline. Nonprofits are increasingly challenged to diversify their fundraising strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and adapt to changing patterns of philanthropy.

Why This Matters to Giving Circles

These trends reinforce something many of us have experienced firsthand: collective giving has never been more important.

Giving circles are uniquely positioned to respond because they are:

• deeply connected to their local communities;
• able to listen directly to nonprofit partners;
• flexible enough to respond to emerging needs;
• committed to learning together before taking action; and
• building the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Philanos Affiliates demonstrated just how quickly collective giving organizations can adapt. We adjusted grantmaking processes, accelerated funding when needed, embraced virtual engagement, and continued supporting our communities despite unprecedented uncertainty.

Those same qualities will serve us well today.

The Value of a National Philanos Network

No giving circle should have to navigate these challenges alone.

One of the greatest strengths of Philanos is our ability to bring Philanos Affiliates together to learn from one another. Across our network, members are sharing ideas, experimenting with new approaches, strengthening governance, engaging younger philanthropists, and finding innovative ways to support nonprofits facing increased demand.

Whether through Philanos Affinity Groups, Philanos Webinars, Philanos Cohorts, Philanos Blogs, or conversations with fellow Affiliates, Philanos provides opportunities to learn from the collective wisdom of organizations across the Philanos Network

Looking Forward Together - Sharing the Opportunity

Periods of change can feel uncertain, but they also create opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

Collective giving has always been about more than writing grants. It is about bringing people together, listening to communities, investing thoughtfully, and building stronger places to live.

That mission has never been more relevant.

As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, Philanos remains committed to helping our Affiliates learn, adapt, and lead - because together, we are stronger than any one organization could ever be alone.