Guiding Human Services Through Philanthropic Change
April 13, 2026by Victor S. Valentine, CEO of NHSA
“The essence of philanthropy is not just giving, but the thoughtful stewardship and partnership that makes that giving meaningful.” — Paul Ylvisaker
I was recently reminded of something my late father once shared with me about growth. As I wrestled with a difficult decision, he listened carefully and then said, “Son, I can’t teach you what to do. I can only remind you of what you’ve already learned.” At the time, it was hard to hear. But in hindsight, his words pushed me to draw on my own experience and trust the wisdom I had already gained.
That lesson feels especially relevant in today’s shifting philanthropic landscape. Nonprofit leaders—particularly those across the National Human Services Assembly—must recognize that a diversified fundraising strategy is no longer optional; it is essential to good stewardship. As Paul Ylvisaker, former Ford Foundation leader and Harvard Kennedy School dean, reminds us, effective philanthropy is grounded in partnership and long-term investment in people and communities.
Insights from the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse by CCS Fundraising reinforce this reality. While associations and human services organizations continue to rely heavily on individual giving and grants, both are under increasing pressure. At the same time, opportunities are expanding in major gifts, donor-advised funds, and strategic partnerships.
This moment also calls for a shift in mindset. Those leading resource development should consider reframing their role from “fundraising” to philanthropic advising. This subtle but important shift moves organizations away from transactional asks and toward trust-based relationships—helping donors align their values with meaningful impact.
Equally important is the role of the board. Data consistently shows that organizations with actively engaged boards in fundraising outperform their peers. Engagement does not mean every member must solicit gifts, but it does require ownership—opening doors, stewarding relationships, and demonstrating personal commitment.
Another underutilized opportunity lies in engaging Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). These funds hold significant philanthropic capital but require intentional outreach and relationship-building—often beginning with donors already connected to your mission.
Finally, strong stewardship means planning for success. Organizations should “backward map” how they would deploy a major gift—ensuring they have the strategy, capacity, and infrastructure in place to maximize its impact when the opportunity arises.
A diversified fundraising plan is about more than revenue. It is about cultivating relationships, aligning resources with mission, and building the resilience needed to serve communities in a time of constant change.