2026 Insights on Purpose™ Report

An annual review of how nonprofit and foundation leaders assess their impact, readiness for change, and the outlook ahead.

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Why this report and why now?

Nonprofits and foundations are the backbone of American civic life. They hold communities together, advance the public good, and strengthen the systems that enable our society to function effectively.

Yet the very forces that make the work of nonprofits and foundations indispensable today — growing economic pressures, widening social divides, and a shifting political landscape — are also reshaping what it takes to deliver on their missions.

Developed by Mission Partners with support from the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the 2026 Insights on Purpose™ Report:

  • Collects the perspectives of nonprofit and foundation leaders.

  • Distills them into a series of key insights.

  • Provides a set of recommendations and resources to help nonprofit and foundation leaders with planning and decision-making in the year ahead.

For complete access to all of the report's Key Insights, Recommendations, Resources, and Survey Data, download the report.

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Key Insights

Our research revealed a sector grappling with major questions and trials paired with signs of determination and potential. Seven insights emerged that can help guide nonprofit and foundation decision-making.

  • A fist raised with lightning bolt and stars around it on a yellow circular background, symbolizing power and energy.

    Challenges, Meet Confidence

    The 2025 landscape was defined by a striking duality: challenge and confidence.

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  • Icon of a black umbrella with water drops inside a yellow circle.

    Differing Views on Organizational Resilience

    Both sectors agree on what organizational resilience looks like, but nonprofits are more concerned that they lack it.

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  • Illustration of three dollar bills with an exclamation mark inside a circle on the front bill, indicating a warning or alert related to money.

    Financial Realities and the Cost to Mission Advancement

    Nonprofits face acute financial strain while foundations remain on solid ground.

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  • Chess piece with a target and arrow symbol indicating strategy or goal achievement

    Strategizing for Future Impact and Readiness

    Strategic planning has become harder for all, jeopardizing future impact and readiness.

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  • Black pixelated question mark on a yellow circular background.

    The Great Reframe

    Both sectors are reframing their work, especially nonprofits under scrutiny.

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  • Yellow circle with a black crescent moon and three black stars inside

    The Next Digital Divide: AI

    Organizations know AI matters, but feel behind in leveraging it.

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  • Sign indicating two-way arrow, one pointing up and one pointing down, with curved lines indicating bidirectional flow, on a yellow circular background.

    Closing the Gap Will Be a Group Effort

    Nonprofits and foundations are showing up amid widening gaps — and their missions are intertwined.

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Explore the Insights
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“Nonprofit and foundation leaders are navigating remarkable complexity today, marked by heightened demand for services, economic strain, political shifts, and rapid technological advances. The 2026 Insights on Purpose Report provides those leaders with a view into the experiences of their peers in a way that can help shape strategic thinking and decision-making in the months to come.”

— Brian Fox, Chief Strategy Officer of Mission Partners

If you’re the leader of a nonprofit or foundation, what does the 2026 Insights on Purpose Report mean for you?

  • Recommendations

    Presented by Mission Partners

    Connect the seven key insights with actionable recommendations to help move your mission and impact forward.

    Explore the Recommendations

  • Resources

    Presented by the Chronicle of Philanthropy

    Access resources curated by the Chronicle for nonprofit and foundation leaders to advance their missions.

    Browse the Resources

  • Podcast

    Hosted by Carrie Fox

    Tune in for even more insights about the research and exclusive interviews to help move your mission forward.

    Subscribe to the Podcast
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“Throughout the turbulence of the past year, it’s been clear that nonprofits and foundations need to hear more from one another about the challenges they are facing. In this fresh data, we see that the gaps in understanding are wider than many people may have realized, and we’re eager to lead discussions that help the social sector come together to rethink how best to serve society in a fast-changing environment.”

— Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy

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