In a dramatic response to recent shifts in the U.S. policy landscape, corporate philanthropy leaders are reevaluating their strategies for the upcoming year, prioritizing economic opportunity and education while scaling back initiatives focused on racial and gender equality. This trend emerges from a recent survey conducted by The Conference Board, which gathered insights from over 120 philanthropy executives representing leading U.S. and multinational companies.
According to Andrew Jones, Senior ESG Researcher at The Conference Board and the report’s author, this change signals a strategic adjustment rather than a withdrawal from the goals of advancing gender and racial equality. “Companies are now integrating these goals into wider frameworks that align more directly with their core business objectives, encompassing workforce development, technical training, and financial empowerment,” Jones explained.
As U.S. corporate philanthropy evolves, a notable geographic realignment is also taking shape. Executives indicated a marked increase in support for philanthropic initiatives focused on the U.S., closely followed by Canada and Mexico, while highlighting a desire to scale back efforts in China.
Key findings from the survey reveal the following thematic shifts for 2025:
- Increased Focus on Economic Opportunity and Education: Executives are prioritizing these themes more than before, reflecting a need to address the evolving economic landscape.
- Decreased Emphasis on Racial and Gender Equality: Contrary to earlier years, these areas are seeing a reduction in focus, although many maintain that inclusivity is still a vital aspect of their broader strategies.
The report further identifies challenges ahead, with 43% of executives citing the difficulty of demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of their philanthropic efforts as their top concern. Other significant challenges include accurately measuring societal impact (31%) and dealing with the prevailing political uncertainty and polarization in the U.S. (29%).
“To ensure that philanthropic initiatives offer genuine value, executives are urged to refine their data collection methods linked to key performance indicators, such as employee engagement and brand equity,” said Jeff Hoffman, Institute Leader for Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy at The Conference Board.
The changing political and social climate is also influencing communication strategies. Nearly 37% of executives are revising the language used to describe their initiatives in response to these dynamics, with many aiming to mitigate potential backlash. The level and frequency of communications are also on the rise, with 41% of executives planning to boost internal communications and 30% looking to enhance external outreach.
As corporate leaders navigate this evolving landscape, the redefinition of philanthropic priorities serves as a testament to their responsiveness to both societal needs and business imperatives. With the 2024 elections looming, the corporate philanthropy sector is poised to continue adapting its strategies to align with the shifting priorities of both communities and stakeholders alike.
For further insights and details, the full report can be accessed through The Conference Board.
