Central Iowa’s philanthropic landscape is bracing for a period of stability, albeit one marked by rising costs and donor caution, according to a new report from Isaacson-Syverson Consulting. The 2026 State of Central Iowa Philanthropic Giving Study, released this week, indicates that giving levels are expected to remain largely unchanged from 2025, as community needs evolve and nonprofit operational expenses continue to climb.
The study, conducted in partnership with Compendium Insights, surveyed 170 philanthropic individuals, corporate donors, and foundation representatives between and , achieving a response rate of 46%. Just over half (54%) of donors surveyed plan to maintain their giving at 2025 levels, while only a quarter intend to increase their charitable contributions.
This cautious approach from donors reflects broader economic uncertainties and a growing awareness of the financial pressures facing the nonprofit sector. While donor confidence in the sector’s ability to serve the community remains relatively strong, it hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The proportion of donors expressing “very confident” or “extremely confident” sentiment stands at 53%, up from 2024 but below the 65% recorded in 2022.
“Many donors commented that they have confidence in the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve the community, but there is concern about securing the level of financial support needed to maintain nonprofits’ budgets,” Isaacson-Syverson Consulting stated in a news release accompanying the report.
The findings align with broader trends observed across the Midwest and nationally. A recent report from EDEN+ Nonprofit Fundraising, highlighted in their 2026 Philanthropic Landscape Reports for Iowa, the Corridor region, and Des Moines, emphasizes the importance of understanding emerging philanthropic trends and donor behavior. EDEN+’s analysis draws on data from sources including the Blackbaud Institute, the National Philanthropic Trust, and the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.
The Isaacson-Syverson study also points to a critical need for greater collaboration among nonprofits. Donors consistently cited the proliferation of organizations with similar missions competing for the same funding as a key concern. This sentiment echoes findings from a 2023 report analyzing charitable giving in Central Iowa, which indicated that donors want nonprofits to prioritize collaboration. That earlier report, published by Isaacson-Syverson Consulting and Compendium Partners, was intended to guide nonprofits and donors following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pressure on nonprofits is further compounded by increasing demand for services and ongoing challenges related to workforce shortages. A study released in by the United Way of Central Iowa, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and Bravo Greater Des Moines, revealed that Central Iowans’ needs are outpacing nonprofits’ capacity. The survey of 110 nonprofit organizations found that agencies providing health and human services – including those addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and early childhood education – are facing the most significant funding gaps.
Mary Sellers, president of the United Way of Central Iowa, told the Des Moines Register that the agency initiated the study after hearing widespread concerns from nonprofits about financial stability. The results, she said, confirm that a significant gap exists between funding and resources, and that nonprofits are struggling with hiring and retention, as well as long-term sustainability.
The Isaacson-Syverson report suggests that the stability in giving levels may be a result of donors prioritizing the financial health of the organizations they support. This increased scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency and accountability for nonprofits seeking to attract and retain funding. The report doesn’t offer specific projections for future giving, but the emphasis on donor caution and the need for collaboration suggests a challenging environment for the sector in the coming year.
The findings also highlight the critical role nonprofits play in addressing essential community needs. As demand for services continues to rise, the ability of these organizations to secure sustainable funding will be paramount. The report’s authors hope the data will serve as a valuable tool for nonprofits as they navigate these challenges and plan for the future.
The stability in philanthropic giving, as indicated by the Isaacson-Syverson study, contrasts with the increasing operational costs faced by nonprofits. This dynamic suggests that organizations will need to become more efficient and innovative in their fundraising efforts, and that collaboration will be essential to maximize impact. The report’s emphasis on donor preferences and giving motivations provides valuable insights for nonprofits seeking to adapt to the evolving philanthropic landscape.
