2026 Outlook for Nonprofits: Better Together
by Greg Petersen, CEO of Keystone Alliance and Mission + Strategy
We like to kick off the new calendar year with a bigger-picture view of what’s on the horizon. Before looking ahead, I want to thank Every. Single. Person. who works in the nonprofit field. What we do, regardless of the population, community, or cause we support, is a labor of love. And what you do for our field makes an impact for all of us. Thank you.
I also want to thank our board members, donors, foundations, and stakeholders — those who believe in our work and help make it possible.
Finally, I want to thank our government funding and policymaking partners. At Keystone Alliance, our founding organizations — Glenkirk and Search — are primarily funded by the State of Illinois. Governor Pritzker has directed historic investments into the I/DD service field since taking office, with similar commitments made across other communities of need. While there’s always more to be done, the Pritzker Administration has shown the power of leading with compassion and heart.
At the federal level, my appreciation takes a different form. I want to thank this administration for galvanizing our field in the face of ongoing attacks on people who need support, and on the nonprofits who serve them. Today’s threat level from the federal government is — borrowing a word from the pandemic days — unprecedented. We wouldn’t be in this field without a strong sense of purpose, but the Why of our work has never been more clear.
We see all of that as valuable context for 2026.
The year ahead will require us to find new and more creative ways to navigate uncertainty, protect our missions, and uplift our communities. We already know one essential truth: we’re better when we’re together, especially in moments like this. The question is how to intentionally engage and collaborate with peers and partners to meet what’s coming.
Our strategic plans, by definition, call on us to build or strengthen capacity. Is your current structure still the best way to achieve your goals? Would a merger, partnership, or shared-services approach better support your mission? Does your plan need an update to reflect today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities?
Many of us have squeezed every ounce of efficiency out of our back-office functions. But in doing so, have we short-changed ourselves on the capacity we now need? Do we have the billing systems required to pursue new funding streams? Do we have the data and tools to model expansion or restructuring without working 28-hour days? Could sharing back-office functions free up time, talent, and energy for mission-critical work?
These are big questions, but they don’t get answered in the margins of already-full days. They get answered by creating space to step back and work on the business of your mission. They get answered by connecting, and by giving ourselves permission to do this work together.
Wishing you, your organization, and your mission all the best in 2026 and beyond.
Together, we are stronger.
If you’re interested in balancing your mission and business strategies, we’re here to help.
Mission + Strategy is an invested thought partner to your nonprofit organization. Through our Strategic Advising, Mergers & Partnerships, and Shared Back Office service solutions, we help nonprofits achieve alignment between their mission and business strategies.
