I’d like to think of 2019 as the year of the donor! The year where it truly is revealed that donors make gifts to organizations they care about without relying on tax benefits as the prime motivation. Fundraisers know this. We all know that donors give from the heart and because of the heart. But how many conversations have you had about the new tax laws and how they will effect giving? I’ve seen lots of ink dedicated to this issue and I sincerely appreciate everyone who has provided information to help us help donors navigate a whole new tax world.

Like most of us, I’ve read a lot and had some very interesting talks with donors and experts.At the end of the day, though, I believe the biggest impact on a donor’s decision to support a program, organization or cause is because they are listening to their heart. They are having a conversation with their values . Regardless of taxes—and this isn’t the first and won’t be the last change—donors give to help change the world. That’s always been true and i have no doubt it will always be true.

Hope your 2019 is off to a fabulous start!