Overview
In May 2026, Workforce Matters launched a Corporate Leadership Series, featuring Corporate Philanthropic Leaders around the country. Across this series, corporate philanthropy leaders described the same moment: budgets are tighter, policy is shifting, and AI is moving faster than anyone can map, so funders must make every dollar count while staying anchored in what is proven to work.
The series brought together leaders from the corporate philanthropic sector to talk about their paths into the field, how they lead inside large companies, and where they would place their next big bet. Three ideas came up in every session: philanthropy is entering a new era of accountability, AI is both a disruption and an opportunity for nonprofit partners, and no single sector can solve these problems alone.
Four Key Themes Across the Series
Leading through uncertainty. Speakers named policy shifts, workforce program cuts and a strained labor market as forces reshaping the field since summer 2024. The response they urged was steadiness: ground the work in what will always be true, and measure outcomes well enough that the work can be defended when priorities change.
AI and the future of work. AI was the most cited unknown variable. Leaders raised more questions than answers encouraging participants to consider what AI will do to jobs, what it costs communities, and what role funders should play in terms of investment in, preparation for, and mitigation of the impacts of these technologies for individual workers and learners as well as for workforce organizations. Leaders also reflected on their role vs the role of a technical partner in supporting implementation and adoption of AI tools.
Workforce and the power of investing in people. Every session returned to workforce as the place where philanthropy and business interests intersect . Leaders particularly called out the need to invest in opportunities for today’s young workers, whose pathways feel especially vulnerable to rapid technological, economic, and even cultural shifts. The framing shifted from a jobs-only focus to belonging and an emphasis on ensuring that professional spaces are places where all people feel seen and valued and where they can grow
Collective effort and trust. Speakers described trust as both a goal and a precondition. It is a precondition that enables strong partnerships with grantees, with communities, and with their own leaders, and building trust requires vulnerability and the willingness to invite people into conversation and co-creation
Questions to consider
Along with the points above, leaders raised a few questions for philanthropy to consider as we work to strengthen our practice:
- How can funders make sure partnership does not cost grantees time?
- How should funders think about balancing their portfolios between proven programs and riskier bets?
- Beyond the money, what makes a funder someone partners want to call?
As we wrap up this year’s series of conversations with leaders in corporate philanthropy, we welcome your feedback and input. Let us know what you learned and liked, as well as what you’d like to see going forward!