More Than Ever, ‘Giving Season’ Is Critical for Nonprofits

November 26, 2025 8

By Sheila Bravo

President & CEO, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement

Although it seems like just yesterday everyone was enjoying long, sunny days and warm evenings, the calendar does not lie. We have moved full-blown into autumn and the holidays that are known collectively as the “Giving Season.” And this year’s Giving Season might be one of the most critical – and strategic – in recent years.

For nonprofits, the Giving Season is an important time. These charitable organizations rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses whose philanthropy powers their operations. Those donations help keep the doors open and programs running as nonprofits continue to serve hundreds of thousands of Delawareans every day.

This year has revealed just how critical giving is to nonprofits. Federal funding programs that have long provided the financial backbone to many Delaware organizations have cut their funding or changed policy on financial assistance. This has forced nonprofits to cancel programs, reduce staff, or consider other, more drastic measures.

It bears mentioning that Delaware nonprofits are, above all else, businesses operating in the First State. Collectively, we contribute to our state’s economy by employing 76,000 people annually and spending more than $9 billion to serve local communities. In a state our size, investment in nonprofits contributes to Delaware’s financial health.

The recent federal government shutdown has shined a spotlight on the critical work of nonprofits. It highlighted how many Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, and that more than 119,000 Delawareans depend on monthly food assistance to make ends meet. Nonprofits have continually stepped up to provide families with services and sustenance.

Tax Law Changes Present Strategic Opportunity

Due to the uncertainty surrounding federal funding and the challenges that have arisen, nonprofits are turning to charitable giving more than ever to fill that gap.

Coincidentally, federal changes make it more advantageous to donate during this Giving Season.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that Congress passed this summer contains several changes to tax law that impacts charitable giving. For those who do not itemize their contributions, the OBBBA increases the standard deduction and adds an above-the-line deduction for charitable donations. The law also raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction from $10,000 to $40,000 for tax year 2025.

Notably, many of the limitations in the law do not take effect until tax year 2026, which might make it more advantageous to donate this year.

How Can You Help?

Your contributions are critical to the continued success of Delaware nonprofits.

If you are planning to give to nonprofits, I would encourage you to make an unrestricted donation, which allows organizations to direct the funds where they are needed most – typically operational costs. If a nonprofit cannot keep its lights on, all other programs and efforts are moot.

This year has been a long, difficult one for many nonprofits, but with your charity and goodwill during this Giving Season, it could end on a high note with a brighter outlook for 2026 and beyond.

DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, is a statewide member organization that seeks to empower Delaware nonprofits to achieve inclusive, thriving and vibrant communities through training, consulting, networking, resources and advocacy. DANA’s mission is to shape and advance the systems and conditions that empower nonprofits to amplify their impact throughout Delaware.