Episode 2
State of Good for March 16, 2026
State of Good by Pure Charity · Mike Rusch, Pure Charity
March 17, 20267m 29s
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Show Notes
Episode Title: $22B in Giving, Federal Funding Disruptions, and New Tax Rules — March 16, 2026
Summary:
- America's top philanthropists gave $22.4 billion in 2025, but much of it flowed to DAFs and foundations rather than directly to operating nonprofits
- One-third of U.S. nonprofits report disruptions from federal funding cuts, with two-thirds reliant on government sources
- New 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions changes the giving calculus for mid-level donors starting in 2026
- Foundations are considering increasing payout rates beyond minimums — a signal of new funding opportunities
- Gloria Vargas, a Florida waitress, has served 270,000 meals to homeless individuals since 2012
Sources & Links:
- Chronicle of Philanthropy — Major Donor Giving Analysis: https://www.philanthropy.com/news/money-donated-to-and-awarded-from-foundations-and-donor-advised-funds/
- Forvis Mazars — 2026 State of the Nonprofit Sector: https://www.forvismazars.us/getattachment/3ec27fe9-c655-4e7e-879d-fb04b7690fa8/2026-State-of-the-Nonprofit-Sector_Funding-Your-Mission.pd
- Windham Brannon — 2025-2026 Tax Planner: https://windhambrannon.com/blog/2025-2026-tax-planner-key-insights-for-a-changing-tax-landscape/
- Wayne County Community Foundation — Women and Philanthropy: https://www.waynecountycommunityfoundation.org/blog/2026/03/10/women-and-philanthropy-four-insights-to-inform-your-practice
- Center for Effective Philanthropy — Current Context Survey: https://cep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CEP_Current-Context-Survey-2025_Foundations_final.pdf
- Inside Philanthropy — Toplines March 14, 2026: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/toplines/toplines-march-14-2026
- Good News Network — Gloria Vargas Story: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/waitress-has-fed-270000-meals-to-homeless-floridians/
Timestamps:
- 0:00 — Intro
- 0:30 — Major Donors, Federal Funding Disruptions & New Tax Rules
- 3:30 — Why Donors Give: Women and Philanthropy
- 4:30 — What Changed: Foundation Payout Rates & AI in Philanthropy
- 6:30 — The Bottom Line: Three Actions for This Week
- 7:30 — Good in Action: Gloria Vargas and 270,000 Meals
- 8:30 — Outro
Topics
NonprofitFundraisingDonationsDonorsGivingPhilanthropy