By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2026, one thing is clear: generosity is growing and donors like you are leading the way.
According to a recent Foundation Source infographic on funder priorities for 2026, nearly half of donors (49%) plan to give more to charity this year than they did in 2025. This renewed commitment to philanthropy comes from both opportunity and urgency.
- 24% of donors say stronger economic conditions—particularly gains in the stock market—have increased their capacity to give, and
- 15% point to rising need in their local communities as the driving force behind their expanded charitable plans.
We see both of these forces at work here in Northern Virginia.
Meeting Rising Local Need—Together
In April, CFNOVA concluded our 2026 discretionary grant cycle, directing resources to nonprofit partners addressing urgent needs across our region. From basic needs assistance and housing stability to mental health, youth support, and aging services, the applications we received underscored a consistent message: demand for services remains high, and many organizations are stretched beyond capacity. Data from our applicants revealed that 80% of them were experiencing a funding decline while at the same time seeing increased demand for their services. This is further analyzed in our recent report, The State of Nonprofits in Northern Virginia.
While local needs are rising, market conditions have created a powerful opportunity for donors to give strategically and tax‑efficiently, turning investment growth into lasting community impact.
Two Meaningful Ways to Take Action Now
We invite you to consider one—or both—of the following ways to put your philanthropy to work at this pivotal moment:
1. Open or Contribute to a Fund at CFNOVA
Establishing or adding to a donor-advised fund, field-of-interest fund, or other charitable fund at CFNOVA is a flexible, tax‑efficient way to support the causes you care about most. Contributions of cash or appreciated assets like stock, life insurance, or real estate, can help maximize your charitable dollars today—while allowing you to recommend grants over time as community needs evolve.
2. Make a Grant or Gift to a Local Nonprofit in Need
Consider co-funding our most recent grantees by giving to those selected in our Community Investment Fund, Arts, and Environment grant cycles.We have also identified an additional group of pre‑vetted nonprofit organizations that are responding directly to rising local demand but our current endowments could not support this year. These organizations are trusted is their communities and doing critical, on‑the‑ground work.
Turning Momentum into Impact
The generosity reflected in national donor trends is already making a difference here at home. With your partnership, CFNOVA can continue to channel increased giving—whether fueled by economic growth, a desire to respond to urgent needs, or both—into meaningful, lasting impact across Northern Virginia.
If you’d like to discuss fund options, grant recommendations, or giving strategies aligned with your goals, our team is here to help.
Together, we can turn this moment of opportunity into measurable change for our community. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how we can create impact together.
Kathleen Lowenthal
Development Officer
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please contact your financial, tax, and legal professionals for more information specific to your situation.
The Community Foundation team is happy to help you structure charitable giving tools and plans to achieve your clients’ philanthropic goals—whether through beneficiary designations or any other type of charitable giving vehicle. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!
Questions?
Questions?
