On July 28, 2026, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County hosted the highly-anticipated “Giving USA: Beyond the Data” report release. This annual gathering brought together nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and philanthropists to delve into the latest charitable giving trends and what they mean for the future of philanthropy in Orange County and beyond.
Event Overview
Held at the UCI Beall Applied Innovation Center, the event featured insights from Margita Labhard, Senior Director of Philanthropic Strategy at the Orange County Community Foundation, and Kyle Houlton, CEO of Covenant Philanthropic Solutions. The discussion focused on what the Giving USA 2026 data reveals about current fundraising trends to help nonprofit leaders navigate an evolving philanthropic landscape.
Below are selected insights from the keynote speakers on the report’s implications report on the future philanthropy:
”"What we all really want is to feel less alone, to know that we're part of something bigger, and to know that our work actually matters beyond just the tally marks, the percentages, and the spreadsheet totals."
Kendra PuryearAFP OC President
”"Wealth is driving outcomes. Fundraising is no longer driven by more donors. It's driven by deeper relationships with fewer, more high-dollar donors."
Kyle HoultonCEO, Covenant Philanthropic Solutions
”"Today, planned giving is more of a fundraising philosophy. How can we help donors express their values, engage their family, and make the impact that they're hoping to make?"
Margita LabhardSenior Director of Philanthropic Strategy, Orange County Community Foundation
”"Relationships. There can be no fundraising of any kind if we don't have relationships. That's the first commonality."
Taryn PalumboExecutive Director, OC Grantmakers
Key Insights and Trends
1. Steady Growth in Giving
Despite a volatile political and economic environment in 2025, giving grew by 5.7% and totaled $617 billion. All major sources of giving—individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests—showed an increase, with bequests experiencing a remarkable 20% growth over 2024, partly influenced by large estate distributions like the Paul Allen estate totaling $3.1 billion.
2. The Great Wealth Transfer
The much-anticipated great wealth transfer is already underway, with an estimated $124 trillion set to change hands by 2048. Approximately $18 trillion of this is expected to go to charity, emphasizing the critical need for fundraisers to cultivate active and engaged relationships with potential planned gift donors.
3. Changing Donor Landscape
The data highlighted an ongoing shift in donor engagement. While individual participation in philanthropy is declining, the influence of major and mega donors is on the rise, causing total giving to increase over 2024. This shift underscores the importance of nurturing deep relationships with high-capacity donors.
4. The Role of Planned Giving
Planned giving is transitioning from a transactional approach to a philosophy centered around engaging donors in conversations about legacy and meaningful impact. This shift in approach is essential for generating larger gifts, which are likely to come from appreciated assets rather than annual income.
5. Emphasizing Human Connections
In an age of technological advancement, the event underscored the increasing value of human connections. Trust, meaningful conversations, and relationships are more crucial than ever, especially as donor retention becomes more challenging.
Strategies for Fundraisers
Relationship Building
Across all types of giving, building and maintaining strong relationships emerged as a crucial factor. Whether through major gifts, planned giving, or annual donations, the human element remains central to successful fundraising. Effort spent on this will pay off well down the line.
Leveraging Technology
While technology accelerates, it should complement rather than replace human interaction. Using AI and digital tools to identify prospects and streamline processes allows fundraisers to focus on building genuine connections.
Education and Staffing
The need for education—both for staff and donors—was a recurring theme. Ensuring that team members are informed about the latest trends and tools can enhance fundraising efforts. Additionally, investing in staffing is critical to managing donor relationships effectively.
Engaging the Next Generation
Understanding and engaging with the next generation of donors is essential. As younger donors leverage digital interactions and influencer-led campaigns, nonprofits must adapt their strategies to meet these preferences and also create immersive engagement experiences to involve and connect this audience more deeply with their mission.
Conclusion
“Giving USA: Beyond the Data” provided valuable insights into the current state of philanthropy and actionable strategies for nonprofit professionals. As the sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on human connection, strategic engagement, and adaptability will be pivotal in shaping the future of fundraising.
Click here to read the full report: https://givingusa.org/product/2026-annual-report/
