Hello from the East Tennessee Foundation!

At the East Tennessee Foundation, we are honored to partner with nonprofit organizations that are making a difference every day. We know that your work is both inspiring and challenging, especially as donor behavior evolves, economic conditions shift, and new tax laws begin to influence how and when people give.

This month, we are focusing on what this moment means for your organization. Donors are paying attention in new ways, and with the right approach, this can be a powerful opportunity to strengthen relationships, refine your messaging, and build long-term support for your mission.

“Say what? The tax laws changed?”

Many donors are only now beginning to understand how recent tax law changes affect their giving. In this issue, we explore why donor behavior may feel unpredictable—and how you can stay proactive by communicating clearly, staying engaged, and helping donors navigate their options.

Are your messages out of date?

As tax incentives shift, traditional fundraising messages may no longer resonate the way they once did. Now is the time to refine your communications, focusing on impact, tailoring your message to different audiences, and adapting to changing donor preferences.

Don’t give up on corporate donors!

Corporate giving may be evolving, but it is far from disappearing. In this issue, we offer tips for maintaining strong relationships with corporate leaders and staying engaged to unlock meaningful opportunities, even in a changing environment.

In looking to the future, as you build your organization’s endowment at the East Tennessee Foundation, our team is happy to serve as a sounding board, especially to help you and your colleagues stay focused on impact. If you have not yet established your organization’s endowment with us, let’s have a conversation! Many organizations find our services to be extremely helpful, ranging from investments to assistance with complex gifts and much more.

Thank you for all you do! We are grateful for our partnership!

-The East Tennessee Foundation