ACCP President and CEO Offers Strategic Recommendations to Advance Responsible Business Practices in 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 2026 Predictions Survey, drawing insights from 159 corporate social impact professionals, 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:
- 79% predict budgets either increase or remain the same
- 19% predict larger corporate grants to fewer organizations
- 12% predict corporate giving to shift focus areas
Looking Ahead: ACCP’s exclusive 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 smaller 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. 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.” said Andrea Wood, President and CEO of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP).
KEY TOPLINES FROM ACCP 2026 PREDICTIONS SURVEY
- 62 percent indicated they anticipate their corporate impact budgets to “stay the same,” and 17 percent anticipated increases.
- 26 percent do not anticipate “any changes” to their corporate impact giving.
- 19 percent said they anticipate a “decrease in the number of grants while increasing average size of grants.”
- 12 percent anticipate a “shift in focus areas” of their corporate giving.
These findings align with ACCP’s 2025 CSR Insights Survey, released in July of 2025, 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 relatively steady.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORPORATIONS
Based on these findings, Wood offers the following recommendations for corporate impact professionals, company executives, and others involved in corporate social responsibility work:
- Ensure your CSR strategy is well aligned with business priorities
Regularly reassess 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 your 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 that align with your business’ core values
Demonstrate commitment through responsible, values-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. According to a recent Deloitte Study, 87% of workers said workplace volunteer opportunities are important when considering whether to stay with their current employer. - 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 concluded. “Across industries, companies continue to demonstrate that doing good is not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart, sustainable business strategy.”
Wood recently penned a guest piece for Inc. entitled, “Here’s How Corporate Social Responsibility Can Create a Great Workplace”, where she argues that corporate social impact efforts—particularly those focused on workforce development and community investment—can help address today’s workforce challenges while building the talent pipeline of the future. Her perspective is supported by data from ACCP’s 2025 CSR Insights Survey.
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The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact.