Looking Ahead to 2026: Joy, Focus, and Peace in a Time That Demands All Three

As we step into 2026, I feel a deep sense of excitement and responsibility about where JH Philanthropy is headed.

We recently gathered as a team for our annual retreat. We slowed down, reflected honestly on what we have built together, and aligned on what the next chapter requires of us. What emerged was not a list of lofty aspirations, but a shared commitment to do this work with clarity, intention, and care, for our clients, for nonprofits, and for our communities.

The work ahead matters. And the moment we are in makes that unmistakably clear.

Staying deeply human in moments that matter 

JH Philanthropy exists to support people through some of the most meaningful and complex moments in their philanthropic lives. Wealth transitions. Family dynamics. Questions of purpose and responsibility. The desire to give in ways that are thoughtful, effective, and aligned with deeply held values. 

Julie Hoffmann

Founder and CEO, JH Philanthropy 

In 2026, we are doubling down on our role as trusted partners in these moments. We are known not just for technical expertise, but for our ability to honor the human side of wealth and giving. We act as bridges between intention, resources, and impact, helping our clients navigate complexity without losing sight of what truly matters. 

At a time when many of our communities are under strain and the needs of nonprofits are growing more urgent, this work carries both opportunity and responsibility. Philanthropy cannot solve everything, but it can show up with humility, courage, and care. This is why our work matters. 

Building a firm where people can do this work sustainably and with joy 

The strength of our work is inseparable from the strength of our team. 

In 2026, JH Philanthropy is a place where people are clear about their roles, supported in their growth, and trusted to lead. We are continuing to invest in the systems, operating rhythms, and leadership practices that hold complexity so our people can stay focused on insight, relationships, and impact. 

This work is demanding. It asks us to hold urgency alongside long-term thinking, and to stay present in hard conversations. Joy is not a nice-to-have here. It is essential. When our team feels grounded and supported, our clients feel it too. This is who we are committed to being. 

Delivering excellence with consistency and intention 

As we grow, consistency matters more than ever. 

Our clients can expect high-quality work regardless of who is leading an engagement. Clear scope. Thoughtful leadership. Follow through. We are becoming even more disciplined about the work we say yes to, focusing on the areas where we are uniquely suited to lead and confident in saying no when something is not the right fit. 

We also remain deeply committed to nonprofit-centered philanthropy. Nonprofits should experience respectful engagement, transparency, and clarity in the work we support. Excellence is not just about outcomes. It is about how people experience the process. 

This is what we do. 

Growing in ways that sustain our impact 

We are also building a firm that is financially healthy and positioned for long-term impact. 

Growth in 2026 is not about more for the sake of more. It is about stability, learning, and capacity. Financial strength allows us to invest in our people, deepen our expertise, and continue showing up thoughtfully for our clients and the sector. It gives us the freedom to make values-aligned decisions and to sustain our work over time. 

This is what makes the work possible. 

As I think about how I want to lead in this next chapter, I keep coming back to three words I am holding close this year: joy, focus, and peace. They are not always easy to hold, especially in a moment that calls for urgency and action. Investing in our communities today can feel anything but peaceful. And yet, focus helps us direct our energy where it matters most. Joy reminds us why this work is worth doing. Peace comes not from ignoring the challenges in front of us, but from clarity, alignment, and trust in the path we are walking together. 

I am incredibly proud of this team and deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us. There is so much work to do, and I have never felt more confident in our ability to do it well. 

Here’s to what’s ahead.