Major changes are reshaping the rules that govern nonprofits and charitable giving, and funders need to stay ahead of the curve. What do these new policies mean for how you manage and distribute your philanthropic dollars?

In this two-part series, experts from Alliance Bernstein will break down the latest developments and share actionable recommendations to help you adapt.

Session I, October 22, 2025
Philanthropy Under Pressure: Innovative Giving Strategies for an Uncertain Future
Recent data shows us that, to fill the gaps in recent federal funding cuts alone, private funders would need to increase giving by more than 280% to grantee organizations—an unlikely solution. Philanthropic entities are grappling with evolving expectations and presented with new opportunities for leading and supporting impact-focused work.

From our work with a vast network of charitable clients, questions we’re hearing include: How is philanthropic giving evolving based on capital markets shifts and general giving trends? Which of the OBBBA provisions are expected to affect charitable giving? What opportunities should donors prioritize at year-end to make the most impactful and tax-advantageous decisions? What other insights from across Bernstein’s national philanthropic and nonprofit client base could we integrate into our approach?

This session examines new and evolving giving strategies designed to help foundations and families preserve capital while amplifying impact. Strategies include innovative funding models, insights on grantee financial resilience derived from new research between Bernstein and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and other practical and actionable governance considerations that can help donors respond to the evolving philanthropic landscape.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the economic, social, and legislative forces driving pressure on the social sector—and why traditional giving models are insufficient.
• Learn how structures like recoverable grants, pooled income funds, and other creative models can extend the reach of limited resources.
• Discover how to deploy noncash contributions and mission-aligned investments to advance philanthropic goals without drawing down endowment capital.
• Examine where trust-based philanthropy stands today, and how new research on nonprofit resilience is shaping funder practices and attitudes.

Speakers

• Erica Doyle, Director, Foundation and Institutional Advisory, Alliance Bernstein,
• Marisa Swystun, Vice President/Director, Foundation and Institutional Advisory, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
  

Who Should Attend

• Presidents, Trustees, and Executive Directors of private foundations
• Philanthropic individuals and families
• Donor-advised fund holders and other philanthropic entities

Please join us for Session II, November 12, 2025. We will turn the lens on nonprofits, exploring how changes in regulation are transforming the sector and what funders can do to respond effectively. Learn more.