Big and small, there is something for every giver
A message from the CICF Collaborative, including Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
Diana Coyle, CICF Director of Nonprofit Services and Sustainability
As you launch your 2026 fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, now is the ideal time to take the pulse of your donor base and thoughtfully shape strategies that meet donors where they are. From engaging high-income and affluent supporters to nurturing entry-level donors just beginning their philanthropic journey, a balanced approach is key to building lasting relationships and sustainable impact.
Here’s how you can get started:
Tailor outreach to affluent donors
A recent study conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy reveals important shifts in how affluent Americans give. Affluent households continue to donate at high levels, with 81 percent giving an average of more than $33,000 annually, even as overall participation has declined over the past decade. The study also identifies that affluent donors are giving more strategically and intentionally, often supporting multiple organizations and causes close to home while combining financial gifts with active engagement like volunteering.
What this means is that your fundraising and stewardship strategies for major donors should focus on personalization, meaningful connections, and demonstrating impact. This is especially important as tax incentives for donors who itemize deductions are now subject to new limitations through a 0.5% AGI “floor” and a 35% “cap.” It’s vital to communicate impact as tax deductibility becomes less of a motivator.
Adopt broad strategies for entry-level donors
As cultivation priorities for affluent donors are shifting, entry-level donors are becoming increasingly important under tax law changes effective for the 2026 tax year. The new above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers (up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for married couples) will expand the tax incentive for modest giving.
Today’s entry-level donors are tomorrow’s major donors; be sure your fundraising and stewardship strategies are designed to grow and engage a broad base of everyday supporters who may now find giving more financially feasible. For example, consider communications strategies such as email campaigns and social media to explain the new incentive and offer simple ways for donors to give cash or small gifts early in the year. Educational content throughout the year about the impact of even modest giving can help encourage participation from a wider segment of the community.
Integrate your efforts to achieve optimal “coverage”
A smart fundraising strategy bridges both donor segments through diversified engagement and stewardship. Consider investing in donor education that speaks to the motivations of affluent philanthropists while also demystifying giving for any newcomers who are encouraged by recent tax incentives. Creating layered communication plans that address impact, community needs, and donor value—from small gifts to transformational commitments—will help you sustain support across economic levels.
As always, please reach out to the team at the CICF Collaborative to discover more ways you can build a culture of giving that honors the preferences of a wide range of donors.
About the Author
Diana Coyle, director of nonprofit services and sustainability, is dedicated to helping Central Indiana nonprofits access the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to thrive. In collaboration with her CICF colleagues she supports CICF fundholders offering professional development, resources, and technical assistance that strengthen organizations and their leaders. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership and community engagement, she is committed to fostering connections that amplify the missions of nonprofits and create lasting impact across the region.
About the CICF Collaborative
CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more »
