BreLee Vantage

03/25/2026

This is such an important reminder that real impact doesn’t happen in silos.

Programs like this are doing incredible work helping individuals rebuild their lives and reduce recidivism—but the impact grows even stronger where efforts begin to intersect.

Organizations like Edgewood Children's Ranch are working on the front end—walking alongside children, providing structure, guidance, and support so they have a different path forward.

When prevention-focused programs and rehabilitation-focused programs intersect, we begin to create something much more powerful—a continuum of care that supports individuals at every stage of life.

That’s how we move beyond short-term outcomes and start making a lasting, generational impact.

It’s also why building strong partnerships across organizations matters—because no single program solves the whole problem, but together, they can.

03/24/2026

A new charitable giving tax change is now in effect for 2026 — and it’s something both donors and nonprofits should be aware of.

For those who itemize deductions, charitable contributions are now only deductible above 0.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

What makes this more complex?

Most donors don’t know their AGI until the end of the year.

That means charitable giving decisions may become more strategic and less predictable.

We may start to see shifts like:

• More year-end giving decisions
• Increased use of donor-advised funds
• More intentional, multi-year giving strategies

Policy changes like this don’t reduce generosity — but they do change how giving is planned.

We’ve broken this down in our latest article on the Brelee Vantage Insights Hub, including what this means for both donors and nonprofit organizations.

🔗 https://breleevantage.com/insights-hub/f/charitable-giving-in-2026-planning-without-knowing-your-agi

If you’re part of a nonprofit organization or advise donors, this is an important change to keep on your radar.

As of 2026, a significant shift in U.S. tax policy is changing how individuals receive tax benefits for charitable giving. At first glance, the change may appear minor. In practice, it introduces a new level of complexit...

03/13/2026

Innovative solutions to community challenges often begin in unexpected places — sometimes even on a dinner plate.

BreLee Vantage recently had the opportunity to experience the work happening at 4 Roots Farm, where a meal prepared from ingredients harvested directly from the surrounding farm highlighted the power of local food systems.

Farm → Kitchen → Plate.

Experiences like this reinforce how important it is for community leaders, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners to collaborate around solutions that strengthen sustainability and long-term resilience.

What makes 4Roots especially compelling is how they are combining agriculture, education, sustainability, and innovation in one place.

Their campus reflects regenerative design principles, including the 4Roots Farm Education Building, which was intentionally designed to work with the environment through sustainable materials, natural light, and energy-efficient systems.

Beyond agriculture, the organization is also developing scientific solutions to address waste and environmental challenges. One example is an enzyme capable of composting food waste in 24 hours and breaking down many plastics in 21 days.

Initiatives like this demonstrate how nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, science, and community collaboration can come together to rethink how our food systems and environmental stewardship evolve.

Central Florida is fortunate to have organizations willing to innovate and build solutions that strengthen the sustainability of our communities.

03/11/2026

Get your tickets today! Your purchase directly supports inclusive dance for children with disabilities.

03/04/2026

BreLee Vantage was honored to join our client, Vita Foundation, and its President, Roman Chagay, in meeting with Mayor Jerry Demings, Chief of Staff Carol Burkett, Vicki Landon of Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, and leadership from Orange County Community and Family Services and the Citizens’ Commission for Children.

The discussion focused on Vita Foundation’s inclusive arts programming and the upcoming National Gala of Arts and Dance — advancing youth development, accessibility, and cultural engagement across Central Florida.

Sustainable community impact happens when mission-driven organizations, public leadership, and strategic infrastructure align.

We are proud to support Vita Foundation and President Roman Chagay in strengthening partnerships that expand opportunity for children and families in our region.

02/28/2026

This is more than a conversation — it’s a defining moment for the nonprofit sector.

Political uncertainty, funding volatility, and rising community demand are converging at the same time. And yet, nonprofits continue to deliver essential services with resilience and accountability.

What’s clear is this:
• Public investment must be protected
• Nonprofit infrastructure must be strengthened
• Governance and fiscal stewardship must remain strong
• Cross-sector partnerships must be intentional

Philanthropy and nonprofits serve complementary roles, but public funding cannot simply be replaced. Sustainable impact requires alignment — strategy, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Grateful to see the National Council of Nonprofits and The Kresge Foundation convening honest dialogue around what the sector truly needs right now.

Nonprofits don’t just advocate — they execute.
They don’t just respond — they sustain communities.

Nonprofits get it done.

This week, we welcomed Diane Yentel of the National Council of Nonprofits to Kresge for a frank conversation about the state of the nonprofit sector.

Diane has had a remarkable first year leading NCN. In the face of unprecedented political and financial headwinds, she has positioned the organization as a forceful, effective advocate for the nation's 30,000 nonprofits.

The accomplishments in year one alone are striking: blocking a federal funding freeze, securing injunctions to release billions in IRA and IIJA funds, testifying before Congress, and mobilizing a national coalition under the banner "Nonprofits Get It Done."

NCN's work is organized around four strategies: Legal, Communications, Advocacy & Education, and Safety, Security & Wellness — a comprehensive framework for defending the sector at a moment of real vulnerability.

Diane's consistent message resonates deeply with how we think about Kresge's work: philanthropy can't replace public investment, but it has a critical role in supporting innovation, protecting vulnerable populations, and breaking down silos between housing, workforce, health, education, and place-based strategies.

The challenges are real — and will continue. But so is the resolve. Grateful for Diane's leadership and inspired by the visit.

02/28/2026

I’m incredibly encouraged to see the vision behind Project EMPATH coming to life.

Housing is not a privilege — it truly is the foundation for stability, health, and opportunity.

Deeply affordable housing paired with supportive services changes lives. It strengthens families, stabilizes the workforce, and impacts the future of our entire community.

Proud of the leadership behind this mission and grateful to see partnerships forming around solutions that restore dignity and hope.

This work matters!

02/28/2026

This is what thoughtful community investment looks like.

For 50 years, Harbor House has provided safety and healing to survivors of domestic violence. Purpose-built housing for survivors, their children, and their pets reflects more than compassion — it reflects strategic partnership and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Grateful to see the City of Orlando investing in solutions that create long-term stability and measurable impact for families. 💜

02/28/2026

The 2026 charitable tax changes are officially in effect — and they may impact how donors give this year.

Here’s what changed under the new law:

• A 0.5% AGI floor before itemized charitable deductions apply
• A 35% cap on deduction value for high-income earners
• A $1,000 / $2,000 above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers

These updates may encourage “bunching” donations and shift annual giving patterns.

If you serve on a nonprofit board or lead a development team, this is something to review now — not at year end.

We’ve published a full breakdown here:
https://breleevantage.com/insights-hub/f/2026-charitable-tax-changes-what-nonprofits-must-know

Strategic planning today protects mission sustainability tomorrow.
If your organization would benefit from a strategic review of how these changes may affect donor behavior and revenue forecasting, BreLee Vantage, LLC is available to support.

As of January 1, 2026, major charitable tax changes are officially in effect. These updates to federal tax law are already influencing donor behavior, philanthropic planning, and nonprofit fundraising strategy.

02/27/2026

Great opportunities for youth!

02/26/2026

Artificial Intelligence is quickly making its way into grant writing.

Many organizations are experimenting with AI tools to draft proposals, speed up research, and increase efficiency.

But here’s the important question:

Is AI strengthening your grant strategy — or quietly increasing compliance risk?

In our latest article on the BreLee Vantage Insights Hub, we break down:

✔ When AI can be helpful
✔ Where it creates real risk (especially under federal compliance standards like 2 CFR 200)
✔ What executive leaders and boards should be asking
✔ How to implement AI responsibly within grant management

Innovation should support stewardship — not replace it.

Read the full article here: https://breleevantage.com/insights-hub/f/ai-in-grant-writing-strategic-tool-or-risky-shortcut

Artificial intelligence has moved quickly from novelty to normalization. In boardrooms, development departments, and consulting firms across the country, teams are experimenting with AI tools to draft grant proposals, co...