September 2025 Focus 
Letter from the President
There is a lot going on in our world right now. But throughout history, philanthropy has transcended borders, political divisions, and societal upheaval.
From the ancient Greeks who first coined the word philanthrōpía—“love of humanity”—to the charitable hospitals of the Middle Ages, to the establishment of community foundations and the modern nonprofit world of which we are a part, the act of giving has always reflected a core truth: that human compassion does not waver with the headlines.
In a world where disruption feels constant, philanthropy remains a steady force. At NEAHP, we are privileged to stand at the crossroads of healthcare and philanthropy—two sectors grounded in service and resilience. Our work is not only about raising funds but about reinforcing hope. It’s about forging partnerships that endure, lifting up institutions that heal, and reminding the world that even in moments of great division, generosity unites.
Thank you for the passion and purpose you bring to this work every day. Together, we are not just fundraising—we are future-building.
With all my respect,
Emily Brooks
President, NEAHP
Policy Shifts, Philanthropy Shifts
With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025 now signed into law, we’re looking at some of the most significant shifts to charitable giving in years. From itemized deductions to donor-advised funds, these changes are likely to influence how our donors think—and how we strategize. Here are five quick reads to help you get up to speed:
- Tax Policy Center (TaxVox) — “One Big, Beautiful Bill Complicates Charitable Giving” (June 12, 2025).
Argues new rules add complexity and are unlikely to meaningfully increase total giving; reviews proposed above-the-line deduction and new floors. - Council of Nonprofits — “Analysis of the 2025 Tax Bill and Its Impact on Charitable Giving” (PDF, July 31, 2025).
Summarizes final provisions (e.g., universal deduction amounts, new limits/floors) and expected nonprofit-sector impacts. - Wall Street Journal — “Trump Tax Megalaw Upends Charitable Giving” (July 2025).
News analysis on how the law broadens a small universal deduction while adding new limits for higher-income donors and corporations. - MarketWatch — “How Trump’s big bill makes it easier for all Americans to claim the tax break for charitable donations — not just rich people” (July 2025).
Explains the new above-the-line charitable deduction ($1,000 single / $2,000 joint) and trade-offs for larger donors. - First Citizens Wealth — “How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact nonprofits” (Aug 7, 2025).
Practitioner take: broader donor participation via universal deduction, but reduced incentives at the top end and more financial pressure on nonprofits.
As we each work through what this law means in our own shops, these articles offer a starting point for the conversations we’ll need to have with donors, boards, and colleagues. Sharing insights and approaches with one another will only make our collective response stronger.
2026 NEAHP Conference
Join us in Portland, Maine!
We hope you’ll join NEAHP colleagues from across New England for this year’s NEAHP Annual Educational Conference in Portland, Maine. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day and connect with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of healthcare philanthropy. With practical sessions and plenty of time to share ideas, the conference is designed to recharge your work and strengthen our community. Save the Date: March 2-4, 2026 at the Westin Portland Harborview.
The Conference Planning Committee wants your input!
Have you been inspired lately?
We are looking for keynote speaker suggestions for our 2025 conference!
Membership
Keep the Connection Growing: It’s almost time to renew your NEAHP membership!
As we head into renewal season, it’s a good time to remember the value NEAHP brings to our work. Membership connects you to a network of peers across New England who understand the unique challenges of healthcare philanthropy. From professional development opportunities and the annual educational conference, to networking opportunities and best practices shared through our community, NEAHP helps keep your shop informed, supported, and inspired. Renewing your membership ensures your team continues to benefit from these resources and adds strength to the collective voice of healthcare fundraisers in our region. We encourage you to reach out to your non-NEAHP colleagues and invite them to join us! We are only as strong as our membership, and every new voice makes our community more vibrant and impactful.
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Zoom
Ask the Experts Series:
Fundraisers Have Money Baggage Too: How Backgrounds and Assumptions Can Hold Us Back
Register
Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
New England Networking Series
Register
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Zoom
Ask the Experts Series:
Special Charitable Financial Planning Opportunities
Register
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
New England Networking Series
Register
Sponsor Highlights
Learn from our Sponsors:
Health Care Philanthropy and the Intergenerational Transfer of Wealth
Cindy Reynolds, FAHP, CRFE – Principal Consultant
Accordant
Grateful Patient: The Power of the Appeal
Sarah Willey, DBA, CFRE MCR – Creative Services Team
Marketing Communication Resource, Inc. (MCR)
Strategic Healthcare Philanthropy Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Bridget A. Murphy, CFRE – Principal
Graham-Pelton
Grateful Patient Giving: Encouraging Referrals from Your Board and Clinicians
Robert Wahlers – Vice President, Client Partnerships
The Angeletti Group (TAG)
Philanthropy at a Crossroads: How Political and Economic Uncertainty in Washington is Reshaping Healthcare Fundraising
David E. Garamella, MPA, JP – Founder & CEO
The Giving Collaborative
Advancing Your Career
Looking for the next step in your career or know someone who'd be a great addition to our field? Check out these new listings on the NEAHP Job Board, including:
Major and Planned Giving Officer
Spaulding Rehabilitation Network [Charlestown, MA - Hybrid]
Manager of Grants and Prospect Research
Signature Healthcare [Brockton, MA]
Associate Director, Patient & Family Giving
Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine [Lebanon, NH - Hybrid]
Senior Associate Director, Patient & Family Giving
Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine [Lebanon, NH - Hybrid]
Director of Philanthropy
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital [St. Johnsbury, VT]
Leadership Gift Officer
MaineHealth [Rockport, ME]
Foundation Projects Coordinator
St. Mary's Health System (Covenant Health Member) [Lewiston, ME]
