Better Together: How Nonprofit Fundraising and Finance Can Strengthen Impact in 2026
- Nonprofit Learning Lab
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
This is a guest blog by Aplos.
Why Collaboration Is No Longer Optional
As we head into 2026, nonprofit fundraisers are facing an environment shaped by tax changes, donor shifts, and tighter regulations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will change how donors give, and how nonprofits must operate.
These changes are not small. After the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed, itemized charitable deductions dropped from $256 billion in 2017 to a projected $156 million in 2025.
Nonprofits can’t afford to navigate this moment in fundraising and finance silos.
“Nonprofits may have to scale down and think through what strategic growth looks like. I expect there will be more shrinkage than growth.” – Aplos 2026 Year-End Playbook
To meet this moment, fundraising and finance teams must join forces. The stakes are high, but the opportunities for impact are greater when teams work together.
What Fundraisers Are Facing in 2026
Fundraisers are navigating real challenges:
New tax rules that change who gives and how much
Less government funding, putting pressure on individual giving
Higher expectations from donors for transparency and impact
Urgency to diversify income, with high-income and corporate donors facing reduced incentives
The trajectory’s clear: traditional fundraising tactics need a fresh approach. Check out this blog, posted by Aplos, that explains how a detailed audit checklist will help your nonprofit stay organized, reduce errors, and keep you accountable.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize giving impact, check out this post from Keela, a 15‑Step Guide to Maximize Impact and Increase Donations.
You may also view the video here.
Why Your Finance Team Is Your Ally
Finance can help fundraisers prepare smarter, avoid surprises, and show impact. This 2026 Playbook reveals that donors using standard deductions now make up over 90% of Americans. With a new non-itemizer deduction of $2,000 for joint filers, nonprofits have a chance to bring in new donors if they plan for it.
Finance helps fundraisers:
Target new donor segments based on policy incentives
Model cash flow for strategic campaign timing
Track restricted and unrestricted funds with accuracy
Stay compliant with shifting rules, including new excise taxes and 1099 thresholds
“With policy shifts and reporting requirements on the horizon, having a clear, accurate, and timely picture of your finances will be critical.” – Aplos 2026 Year-End Playbook
How to Strengthen Collaboration
Start small, stay consistent. Four key ways to bring your teams together:
1. Align Your Goals
Set shared KPIs that reflect financial health and donor growth. Instead of only measuring revenue raised, also track unrestricted net income and cost per dollar raised.
2. Meet Regularly
Monthly check-ins can identify gaps early. Use the meeting to align campaign calendars and review reports from the previous month or year-over-year.
3. Share Data
Use fund accounting tools like Aplos to build dashboards that serve both teams. Fundraisers need real-time access to financial data that reflects donor intent and campaign progress. Speaking of team collaboration, Aplos and Keela are integrated nonprofit fund accounting and CRM platforms, so your finance and donor data stays aligned. Automatically sync your transaction data from Keela to your designated deposit accounts in Aplos to ensure accurate, up-to-date financial reporting and simplify reconciliation.
4. Plan Campaigns Together
Don’t wait to loop finance in. If your team is promoting DAFs (Donor-Advised Funds), finance can help track disbursements and compliance.
“Ensuring that your accounting software may accept these donation types can help facilitate these gifts—and ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.” – Aplos 2026 Year-End Playbook
Benefits of a Unified Approach
When finance and fundraising work together:
Fundraisers can time asks based on actual cash flow
Reports to donors and boards are clear and credible
Overhead is managed realistically, avoiding funding gaps
Donor trust increases with accurate stewardship
Watch for Common Pitfalls
Avoid these collaboration blockers:
Planning campaigns without reviewing fund restrictions
Underestimating the impact of new excise taxes on major gifts
Forgetting to factor in the new 0.5% Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor for itemized deductions
Relying only on finance to track funding sources
Get the Full Guide: Planning for 2026
This ultimate 2026 Finance and Fundraising Changes Playbook offers the insights your nonprofit needs.
Inside, you’ll find:
Policy changes explained with digestible context and visuals
Sample campaign timelines based on donor behaviors
Checklists to prep for non-itemized donors and tax shifts
Tools to align your finance and fundraising teams once and for all
👉Download the guide now from Aplos and give your nonprofit a solid plan for 2026.
Final Thoughts: You’re on the Same Team
This year, success means more than raising funds, and focuses more on planning smarter and working together. Fundraisers bring the mission, and finance brings the map. Together, you can navigate 2026 with confidence.
“Donors are diverse, from how they communicate to why they give. Thinking through fundraising software and donor communication tools will be essential to pivoting successfully.” – Kevin Dean, Ed.D., President and CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Your organization’s future is better when you’re better together.
