Giving rises amid nonprofit funding strains

Nonprofits and community organizations are pursuing varied ways to sustain and expand their work, even as some face funding pressures. The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation reported record 2026 grants of $73 million and contributions of $66 million, while a Maryland chamber leader said lagging donations, reduced grants, inflation, and business budget cuts are straining nonprofits. In Blair County, Operation Our Town funds drug-enforcement costs and prevention programs, with $75,000 planned for its 2027 grant cycle. The Community Foundation of Grundy County is encouraging youth philanthropy through an essay contest that directs prizes to charities, alongside a holiday gift program for older residents. Internationally, Rare is using Salesforce tools and a WhatsApp-based AI coach to support small-scale farmers, with early pilot feedback positive and a goal of reaching 100,000 farmers within two years.