Major Moves

Many pastors describe fundraising as a “necessary evil.” But with an authentic, thoughtful approach, fundraising can become a joyful, life-giving, community-building endeavor. The answer lies in effective messaging. When you tell your story well, clear, consistent and mission-driven messaging fosters trust, builds unity, and helps people visualize how their generosity connects directly to God’s work. Faith-based campaigns succeed when they move beyond simply asking for money and instead invite people into a shared mission of stewardship and renewal.

This sweeping tax reform reshapes charitable giving starting in 2026. It offers a permanent above-the-line deduction ($1,000/$2,000) for small donors but imposes a 0.5% AGI floor and Pease cap on high-income filers, reducing their tax savings. A new $1,700 K–12 scholarship credit favors gifts to education. Corporate gifts below 1% of income lose deductibility, and elite university endowments face steep new taxes. Nonprofits must now reassess executive pay, gift timing, and appeal strategies to adapt.