BNN Co-Hosts Panel on Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape
The BNN nonprofit industry team recently co-hosted a professional panel discussion with McLane Middleton to discuss the current nonprofit landscape and the legal, accounting, and compliance outlook for the industry in 2026. The event was hosted over lunch at BNN’s offices in Portsmouth, NH.
BNN Tax-Exempt practice lead Nick Porto was joined by McLane Middleton attorneys Gena Lavallee and Stephanie Lee, as well as Michael DeCristofaro, director of advisor relations at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester. It was a strong line-up of industry specialists, advisors, and career nonprofit leaders. The discussion focused on key challenges and opportunities facing the industry and attendees had a chance to ask their questions of the panelists.
The panel highlighted the intense uncertainty nonprofits are navigating—from financial pressures and staffing shortages to shifting tax laws, increased scrutiny, and evolving donor expectations. The panelists emphasized that while the environment is challenging, organizations can remain resilient by strengthening governance, deepening donor relationships, and staying mission‑focused.
A short recap of the key topics and takeaways is summarized below. If you would like to receive future invitations to BNN’s nonprofit events, click here to subscribe!
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Governance & Conflicts of Interest
Panelists agreed that strong governance is foundational, especially for small and midsize nonprofits. Clear procedures, engaged board members, and defined term limits help maintain accountability and continuity. Conflicts of interest—most often financial—must be managed through robust policies, annual disclosure questionnaires, documented deliberations, and ensuring conflicted members do not influence decisions behind the scenes. Stephanie Lee of McLane reiterated the importance of reviewing COI policies regularly.
Funding & Donor Engagement
With donors increasingly seeking confidence that organizations can endure long‑term uncertainty, nonprofits must articulate their quantitative and qualitative impact on the communities they serve, as well as their financial stability. Diversifying revenue through intentional resource development planning, stewarding existing donors, and engaging the next generation—through time, talent, or smaller “above‑the‑line” contributions—were just a few of the critical strategies shared by a few of the panelists.
A few of the panelists noted that philanthropy is shifting, with donor advised funds and targeted giving requiring nonprofits to think creatively about matching needs with donor intent.
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Uncertainty in the Sector
BNN’s Nick Porto acknowledged significant volatility driven by changes in tax laws, political rhetoric targeting DEI initiatives, and operational disruptions—including reduced IRS staffing and automated notices. Despite these challenges, historical patterns show donors remain generous during crises, and nonprofits can adapt as they did during COVID‑19. This is an industry that has an incredible reputation for doing more with less, and that speaks to their resiliency and patience during uncertain and volatile times, as well as their commitment to doing good work that positively serves the community.
Sector Consolidation
The panel noted a rise in nonprofit mergers, with larger organizations absorbing smaller struggling ones. The growing trend of for‑profit entities acquiring nonprofit operations is causing greater concern, particularly in healthcare. Still, consolidation can be positive when it allows mission‑aligned organizations to pool resources effectively.
Board Engagement & Recruitment
Building an effective board requires intentional recruitment, diversity of experience, and continual engagement. Panelists emphasized involving community voices, leveraging board networks, and using skill‑gap matrices to guide recruitment. Ensuring every board member understands financial responsibilities and governance basics—such as record‑keeping, continuity planning, and reviewing conflict policies—helps strengthen organizational stability. Diane Fitzpatrick of the Boys & Girls Club also emphasized the importance of having the right people in the right seat helps grow the board overall and ensure they are maximizing their effectiveness and impact.
Best Practices & Forward Focus
As the discussion was wrapping up, the panelists turned to key takeaways and actionable steps that nonprofits can take immediately. They encouraged nonprofits to remain proactive: ask questions early, collaborate rather than compete, and stay true to core mission strengths. Effective stewardship led by staff, creative problem solving, and expanding volunteerism (even outside board service) were underscored as keys to long term health. Ultimately, success will depend on nonprofits’ ability to adapt, build strong leadership structures, and communicate their value to donors and the community.
BNN was honored to co-host and participate in this event. Thank you to all of our panelists for their insights and dedication to the nonprofit industry in New England and beyond. If you would like to learn more about BNN’s nonprofit practice, reach out to schedule a conversation about how our team can support you.
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Disclaimer of Liability: This publication is intended to provide general information to our clients and friends. It does not constitute accounting, tax, investment, or legal advice; nor is it intended to convey a thorough treatment of the subject matter.