6 Corporate Social Responsibility Trends to Watch in 2026

It’s getting to be that time of year when everyone starts exclaiming, “I can’t believe we’re almost to the end of [insert current year]!” 

If you’ve been following this space for any length of time, you're aware that Groundswell is due for another look at the year ahead and what it might mean for companies interested in CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs. And, sure enough, we’ve got six corporate social responsibility trends for 2026 to help your business stay at the forefront of charitable and philanthropic initiatives.

Table of Contents:

• What’s New in CSR in 2026?
• Top 6 Corporate Social Responsibility Trends to Watch
• 1. Fewer Donations, More Volunteering
• 2. Artificial Intelligence Continues its March to Ubiquity
• 3. Allowing Employees to Lead the Way
• 4. Prioritizing the Wellbeing of Internal Stakeholders
• 5. Embracing Virtual Volunteering
• 6. Closer Scrutiny of Employee Donation Matching
• Tips for Staying on Top of CSR Trends

What’s New in CSR in 2026?

CSR trends in 2026 aren’t exactly introducing new concepts or ideas; rather, they’re underscoring the growing popularity of certain technological advancements and CSR delivery methods. Recent actions by the federal administration, including hard-line positions on what it views as corporate politicking and DEI programs, also continue to shape the CSR environment going into 2026.

Top 6 Corporate Social Responsibility Trends to Watch

Below are a few CSR trends Groundswell has noticed thus far in 2025 and anticipates will continue for the foreseeable future.

1. Fewer Donations, More Volunteering

The Big Beautiful Bill, passed and signed in July 2025, had a few implications for corporations that typically itemize charitable contributions from their yearly taxes. As of this writing, corporations are only allowed to itemize deductions if they contribute at least one percent of their annual taxable income. Otherwise, they’ll either miss out on the deduction or be forced to take the standard deduction.

Many, if not most, CSR professionals anticipate a downturn in charitable giving from corporations due to this new one-percent deduction floor. Because corporations are no longer incentivized to give amounts less than one percent, Groundswell anticipates a shift toward volunteering within many companies’ CSR strategies, specifically those who have smaller budgets for charitable giving. As we previously wrote, however, some businesses may continue reaping tax advantages from direct charitable giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs).

2. Artificial Intelligence Continues its March to Ubiquity

This isn’t necessarily a CSR-specific trend, but we cannot ignore the rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within (nearly) every sector of the macroeconomy. 

The most effective ways for your business to use AI tools heavily depend on your employees’ resources and capabilities, along with your short-term and long-term CSR goals. Some potential uses for AI in the CSR environment include:

• Automating grantmaking procedures in the soliciting, vetting, approval, and monitoring phases
• Generating ideas and logistical details to help in future volunteering endeavors
• Crafting copy and designs for employee campaigns and events
• Weighing the financial benefits and risks of various CSR programs and helping plan for next year

3. Allowing Employees to Lead the Way

The traditional “top-down” approach for the workplace hierarchy has somewhat fallen out of favor with millennial and Gen Z workers. Younger workers increasingly expect to have a voice in their employers’ ecosystems and to be able to help shape company culture. 

Whether or not you agree with this shift, it does present an opportunity to offload CSR duties to willing employees. If you empower your workers to establish the internal CSR culture by bringing and implementing their own ideas, you may even save money through reduced staff turnover. Fro example, event captains can inspire employees to set up and run their own volunteer events.

4. Prioritizing the Wellbeing of Internal Stakeholders

Recruiting, hiring, and keeping top talent is still a challenge for many companies, as it has been since the waning days of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s forced executives to look inward and think about what perks they might offer employees to encourage them to stay.

One tool employers have been considering in this endeavor is employee hardship funds, or employee assistance funds (EAFs). These pools of money are typically reserved for workers who encounter sudden and severe financial hardships, such as property destruction or catastrophic health issues. Employers often contribute money and may even match employee donations during certain periods.

5. Embracing Virtual Volunteering

One thing the COVID-19 pandemic did was make working people realize how helpful Zoom and other online collaborative tools can be. Although many volunteering opportunities are best conducted in person, such as at animal shelters or food banks, plenty of charitable options are available right from your own computer. 

Some nonprofits require volunteers to enter data, catalog items, or translate communications for underprivileged individuals who need services. Whatever virtual volunteering opportunities you find, know they can help make CSR more accessible and convenient for remote workers and employees with physical limitations.

6. Closer Scrutiny of Employee Donation Matching

The administration in D.C. has taken aim at DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in the public and private sectors since January. Companies have had a range of responses, and while most have continued their CSR programs geared toward racial and social justice, many have taken a more cautious approach to stave off potential lawsuits. As a result of the climate shift, companies might want to take a closer look at donation recipients before shipping off funds. Consulting with trusted attorneys is always a good strategy.

Tips for Staying on Top of CSR Trends

In the ever-evolving world of CSR, your company needs to plan (and act) intentionally to keep its competitive edge. Some methods for staying on top of emerging trends in corporate social responsibility include:

1. Touch Base with Your People

Don’t forget about your most valuable assets, who are only an email or instant message away. Some of your younger employees probably spend hours watching videos on TikTok and may have a better pulse on the CSR ecosystem than many professionals. Make it clear that your executive team is always open to volunteering suggestions. Does somebody want to spearhead the next CSR initiative? Even better!

2. Stay Plugged in to Relevant Policy Announcements and News

Thanks to the internet, we have no lack of news websites that cover the latest developments in the CSR space. Reuters and the New York Times, for instance, have sections dedicated to green corporate initiatives. If you’re looking for a central repository of CSR-adjacent stories, CSRWire.com is probably the best niche website. 

3. Utilize CSR Software that Scales with You

When inspiration hits, you need a comprehensive suite of CSR tools—employee donation, volunteering, grantmaking, and EAFs—that provide ready-made, out-of-the-box solutions. Legacy platforms can be too expensive for many looking to launch or scale an impact program. Groundswell, however, offers affordable CSR capabilities perfect for smaller and mid-sized businesses.

Along with instant donation matching and near-instant donation distributions, our software dramatically reduces administrative burdens associated with legacy CSR platform providers. Our five-star rated apps make it easy—dare we say, fun?—to connect with coworkers on volunteering and other charitable endeavors. Best of all, Groundswell’s software seamlessly scales with your company’s growth as your employees make their mark on the world.

Now is the Time to Invest in Purpose-Built CSR Solutions

In a shifting—and somewhat uncertain—future for CSR, the one constant your company needs through all the changes is a purpose-built platform that provides all the CSR tools your team needs. Our all-in-one software is easy to pick up and designed for maximum collaboration. There’s no better asset for companies looking to stay on top of 2026 corporate social responsibility trends.

We’d love to speak with you about helping your company get in on the ground level with CSR programs. Schedule a demo here or get in touch with Groundswell’s team for answers or clarification.