February 2026 Focus 
Letter from the President

As we enter a brand-new year, I’m reminded of the core of our work: creating opportunities for others to express their gratitude through philanthropy.
Our donors give because they are grateful—grateful for care received, for meaningful careers in healthcare, for the chance to leave a legacy, or even for a helpful tax benefit. Their gifts are reflections of the good in their lives.
But what about us? As fundraisers, we, too, have so much to be grateful for.
While I’ve never teared up talking about the impact of a gift on my program, I have often been moved by the profound effect those gifts have had on the donors themselves. I’m reminded of a donor who established an endowment in memory of her son, who had taken his own life three years earlier. She told me, “Making this gift allowed me to finally begin my healing process. It gave me something meaningful to do with my grief. It has profoundly changed my life.”
Profoundly changed my life. Can you imagine anything more meaningful than being a small part of that donor’s journey? It’s still awe-inspiring every time I think of it—tears and all. Being invited into a donor’s story is a privilege. Philanthropy isn’t just about receiving; it’s about enabling others to give, to heal, to express gratitude—and in doing so, discovering our own.
So, to kick off 2026, I want to express my gratitude for all of YOU and the ways you make a difference for your programs and for the donors whose lives you touch.
With gratitude for all you do,
Emily Brooks, M.Ed.
President, NEAHP
2026 NEAHP Conference
Registration is OPEN. Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering before February 10!
Join us March 2-4, 2026 in Portland, Maine
Registration is officially open for the New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Annual Conference, and this year’s program is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss.
Designed by and for healthcare philanthropy professionals, the conference delivers practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world strategies you can take back to your organization immediately.
Attendees will gain access to timely education, peer-led discussions, and thought-provoking sessions focused on best practices, emerging trends, and the evolving landscape of healthcare philanthropy. You’ll also have ample opportunities to connect with colleagues from across New England who understand the challenges and rewards of this work. You won’t want to miss it!
NEAHP members receive discounted registration, making membership renewal a smart move if you haven’t already done so. Take advantage of early bird rates, invest in your professional growth, and join colleagues who understand this work and why it matters. Visit www.neahp.org/conference to register today or to learn more!
Membership
It’s Not Too Late to Renew Your NEAHP Membership!
If you haven’t had a chance to renew your NEAHP membership, don’t worry! There’s still time and plenty of reasons to do so. Membership keeps you connected to a strong community of philanthropy professionals while also unlocking access to valuable education, networking and resources all year long. Stay inspired and strengthen your network by renewing today!
Legislative Corner
As we continue to track the impact of the Once Big Beautiful Bill Act on charitable giving, as well as related federal policy and tax law, here are some articles to help keep you up to date:
- Bipartisan Policy Center (Nov. 17, 2025): How the New Charitable Deduction Floors Work. Starting in 2026, corporations and individuals who itemize their tax deductions will face new floors on the charitable deduction.
- The Statement (Nov. 13, 2025): OBBBA tax reform reshapes charitable giving. 8 things donors should know.
- LegalCharity (Nov. 22, 2025): What Are the New Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules? Navigate the latest federal RMD changes, including new starting ages, distribution mechanics, and critical updates for inherited IRAs.
- FLSV (Oct 2025): The New Tax Provisions’ Impact on Charitable Giving: Why High-Net-Worth Donors Should Act Now. Changes directly affect charitable giving and the incentives that large donors have relied on are shifting in 2026.
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Zoom
Ask the Experts Series:
The First 90 Days: The Conversations That Make or Break Your Fiscal Year
Register
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
New England Networking Series
Register
Monday-Wednesday, March 2-4, 2026 | Portland, Maine
2026 Annual NEAHP Educational Conference
Register
Sponsor Highlights
Learn from our Sponsors:
Raising Donor Sights: Turning Annual Gifts Into Lasting Impact
John F. Donovan, CFRE, Principal Consultant
Accordant
The Big Beautiful Bill Just Made 90% More Americans Care About Tax Deductions (And That’s Great for Nonprofits)
Larry G. Raff, MPH, Founder & CEO
Donor AbacusTM
Major Gifts: How to Secure High-Impact Nonprofit Donations
Sarah TeDesco, MBA, Chief Customer Officer
DonorSearch
Which 1,000 donors Should you Engage next? A Data-Drive Approach
Sara Montgomery, MBA, Marketing Associate
Givzey
Power-up your Grateful Patient Program
Kindsight
Board Engagement in Philanthropy: Board Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformative Fundraising
The Giving Collaborative
You Can’t Automate Critical Thinking: A Case for Human Judgment in Healthcare Philanthropy
Cody Culp, AVP, Technical Strategy
Zuri Group
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:
Manager of Development Operations
Care Dimensions [Danvers, MA]
Development Officer
Care Dimensions [Danvers, MA]
Associate Director, Principal Gifts
Dartmouth College [Lebanon, NH - Hybrid]
Assistant VP, Philanthropic Relations, Spaulding
Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical Centers [Boston, MA - Hybrid]
Director, Philanthropic Relations
Mass General Brigham, Academic Medical Centers [Somerville, MA - Hybrid]
Manager of Grants and Prospect Research
Signature Healthcare [Brockton, MA]
Senior Development Manager
Signature Healthcare [Brockton, MA]





