As companies look ahead to 2026, new data from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) reveals a clear signal of stability—and strategic recalibration—across corporate social impact programs. ACCP’s predictions survey finds that while most companies expect their corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets to remain steady or grow, many are refining how and where they invest externally.
Key findings include the following.
- Over three-quarters (79%) predict budgets will either increase or remain the same in 2026.
- Nearly a fifth (19%) predict larger corporate grants to fewer organizations.
- Just 12% predict corporate giving will shift focus areas.
ACCP’s data signals that in the year ahead, companies will continue to support investment in their CSR functions while adopting a more focused and disciplined approach to external giving. Corporate social impact strategies are expected to more tightly align with core business priorities, with companies concentrating resources through larger grants awarded to a small number of nonprofit partners to drive clearer, measurable outcomes. Overall, the survey results point to a strong signal of stability at a time when many organizations continue to face economic headwinds and operational uncertainty.
“Corporate giving isn’t shrinking. Rather, it’s becoming more strategic and more closely tied to measurable business and community outcomes,” says Andrea Wood, president and CEO of ACCP. “As nonprofits face rising demand amid declining public funding, corporate partners are becoming more selective about where and how they invest. Understanding this shift will be critical for nonprofit leaders seeking to align their missions with corporate priorities and for companies aiming to maximize impact while maintaining fiscal discipline.”
Over half (62%) of CSR professionals indicate that they anticipate their corporate impact budgets to “stay the same,” and 17% anticipate increases. Over a quarter (26%) do not anticipate “any changes” to their corporate impact giving. Approximately 19% say they anticipate a decrease in the number of grants while increasing the average size of grants, while 12% anticipate a shift in focus areas of their corporate giving.
These findings align with ACCP’s 2025 CSR Insights Survey, released in July, which similarly showed that CSR budgets remain resilient even as companies evolve how resources are allocated. Together, the data underscore a broader trend toward targeted, strategic investment rather than broad distribution, even as overall corporate giving levels hold steady.
Based on these findings, Wood offers the following recommendations for corporate impact professionals, executives, and others involved in CSR work.
- Ensure CSR strategy is well aligned with business priorities. Regularly assess social impact goals to ensure alignment with business objectives, workforce needs, and long-term community outcomes.
- Find the sweet spot between community needs and business value. Focus investments where social impact and business expertise intersect to strengthen both community outcomes and organizational resilience.
- Understand the needs of the community and show up in meaningful ways. Build long-term partnerships grounded in local context, trust, and consistent engagement, not one-off or transactional support.
- Actions matter more than words. Act responsibly and authentically in ways the align with the business’ core values. Demonstrate commitment through responsible, valued-aligned action rather than reactive or symbolic initiatives.
- Tie giving to employee engagement. Invest in employee-driven giving and volunteer programs that support retention, engagement, and culture.
- Ignore the headwinds and stay the course. Pulling back on commitments during uncertain times can create long-term reputational and relationship risks. Consistency builds trust with employees, communities, and partners alike.
“These are proven, time-tested strategies that give CSR professionals and company leaders a clear roadmap for engaging in this work authentically and effectively,” Wood says. “Across industries, companies continue to demonstrate that doing good is not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart, sustainable business strategy.”
