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A Conversation with Grant Berkshire: Policy, Philanthropy, and Navigating Uncertainty in Washington
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
Description
In this timely and insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Grant Berkshire, policy expert and trusted voice on Capitol Hill, to unpack the evolving relationship between Washington and the philanthropic sector. Grant offers a behind-the-scenes look at how election-year dynamics, increasing partisanship, and shifting legislative priorities are shaping the landscape for nonprofits and charitable giving. Drawing from his work on the front lines of federal policy, he highlights both the risks and opportunities facing the sector, from heightened scrutiny and regulatory pressure to the importance of advocacy, storytelling, and strategic partnership.
As Grant explains, 2026 is marked by unpredictability and a lack of clear legislative direction, with Congress becoming more reactive than proactive. Against this backdrop, philanthropy finds itself under growing scrutiny, often driven by isolated incidents that risk casting a wider shadow over the entire sector. “We just want to ensure that nothing is applied with a very broad brush that then leads to negative ramifications for a lot of organizations,” Grant notes, emphasizing the need for balanced oversight and thoughtful policy.
Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: the power of relationships and storytelling. In a climate where policymakers may only hear about the sector through moments of controversy, nonprofits and philanthropic leaders have a critical role to play in sharing the real impact of their work. Grant underscores that building bipartisan relationships and engaging directly with lawmakers is not just helpful, it’s essential to ensuring the sector has a seat at the table when decisions are made.
Looking ahead, Grant offers a candid perspective on what’s to come. While major legislative action may be limited in the short term, the potential for policy shifts, particularly around tax reform and charitable incentives, remains. With a new wave of lawmakers likely arriving in 2027, the opportunity to educate, influence, and cultivate champions for philanthropy will be more important than ever. This conversation serves as both a reality check and a call to action for anyone invested in the future of giving.
Key Takeaways:
This episode includes AI-generated content.
As Grant explains, 2026 is marked by unpredictability and a lack of clear legislative direction, with Congress becoming more reactive than proactive. Against this backdrop, philanthropy finds itself under growing scrutiny, often driven by isolated incidents that risk casting a wider shadow over the entire sector. “We just want to ensure that nothing is applied with a very broad brush that then leads to negative ramifications for a lot of organizations,” Grant notes, emphasizing the need for balanced oversight and thoughtful policy.
Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: the power of relationships and storytelling. In a climate where policymakers may only hear about the sector through moments of controversy, nonprofits and philanthropic leaders have a critical role to play in sharing the real impact of their work. Grant underscores that building bipartisan relationships and engaging directly with lawmakers is not just helpful, it’s essential to ensuring the sector has a seat at the table when decisions are made.
Looking ahead, Grant offers a candid perspective on what’s to come. While major legislative action may be limited in the short term, the potential for policy shifts, particularly around tax reform and charitable incentives, remains. With a new wave of lawmakers likely arriving in 2027, the opportunity to educate, influence, and cultivate champions for philanthropy will be more important than ever. This conversation serves as both a reality check and a call to action for anyone invested in the future of giving.
Key Takeaways:
- Election-year dynamics often slow legislative productivity while increasing partisanship and uncertainty.
- The nonprofit sector is facing growing scrutiny, often driven by isolated incidents rather than systemic issues.
- Relationship-building and storytelling are critical tools for influencing policy and shaping perception.
- Budget reconciliation and tax policy remain key areas of both risk and opportunity for philanthropy.
- A new, less experienced Congress in 2027 presents both challenges and opportunities for sector advocacy.
- Connect with Grant Berkshire
- Connect with Rick Peck
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This episode includes AI-generated content.