---
title: "What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Means for Nonprofits: Key Tax Changes and How to Prepare"
description: Learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) impacts nonprofits with new tax changes, stricter rules, and key strategies for adapting and planning ahead.
image: https://www.crradvisors.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1572631429.jpeg
---

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Regulatory Updates Tax Tax Planning

# What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Means for Nonprofits: Key Tax Changes and How to Prepare

![Richard Daigle](https://www.crradvisors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Daigle_Rich_NEW.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Daigle_Rich_NEW.jpg)

 Richard Daigle

August 11, 2025

The **One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)**, signed on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping tax changes that will touch nearly every corner of the nonprofit sector. While there are a few bright spots, much of the legislation introduces new costs, tighter rules, and more reporting requirements.

The takeaway? **Start planning now**. Most provisions kick in for tax years beginning after **December 31, 2025**, and the earlier you adapt, the smoother the transition will be.

Here’s what you need to know—and how your organization can respond.

**1. Charitable Contribution Rules Are Getting Stricter**

- **Corporate Giving**. Businesses can now only deduct charitable contributions if they exceed **1% of taxable income**, up to the existing 10% cap.
- **Individual Giving**. Individuals must clear a **0.5% AGI floor** before deductions count, and the value of deductions is capped so they only offset income taxed at **35%**, even for those in the top bracket.
- **Non-Itemizer Deduction Returns**. Non-itemizers can once again deduct up to **$2,000** (married) or **$1,000** (single) for eligible cash gifts.

**Your Next Move:**  
Review your fundraising approach. You may need to adjust messaging, emphasize the ongoing benefits of structured giving (such as donor-advised funds), and connect donors to tax-smart ways to give under the new rules.

**2. New Scholarship Credit Could Boost Education Funding**

A new federal credit rewards individuals who give to qualifying **scholarship-granting organizations**, with a cap of **$1,700 per year**.

**Your Next Move:**  
If you’re in the education space, consider forming—or partnering with—such an organization to tap into this new donor incentive.

**3. Higher Excise Taxes on Compensation and Endowments**

- **Section 4960 – Compensation**  
  The $1 million excise tax now applies to *all* current and former employees—not just the top five.
- **Section 4968 – Endowments**  
  The old flat 1.4% rate is gone. Endowment income could now be taxed up to **8%** for high-value, per-student endowments.

**Your Next Move:**  
Audit your compensation packages and endowment structure. Look at ways to reduce exposure—whether that’s through benefit design, payout planning, or targeted spending.

**4. Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Changes**

Refund claims after **January 31, 2024** are no longer allowed, and ERC audits now have a **six-year** window.

**Your Next Move:**  
If you’ve claimed ERC in the past, ensure your records are airtight.

**5. SALT Deduction Cap Temporarily Increased**

The cap on state and local tax deductions jumps to **$40,000** in 2025 for married couples, with a phaseout for high earners.

**Your Next Move:**  
While this is an indirect change, it could influence donors’ year-end giving strategies—something to keep in mind for campaign timing.

**6. Narrower Energy Incentives**

Nonprofits can still use “direct pay” clean energy credits, but many energy-related tax benefits will sunset or phase out starting mid-2026.

**Your Next Move:**  
If energy upgrades are on your to-do list, act quickly to lock in today’s more favorable incentives.

**Action Plan for Nonprofits**

- **Run the Numbers:** Model how these changes will affect your funding, operations, and compliance costs.
- **Educate Your Donors:** Proactively explain how the new rules change their giving options—and offer solutions.
- **Move Quickly on Energy Projects:** Some deadlines are less than two years away.
- **Get Expert Guidance:** These changes are complex. Partner with a CPA or advisor who understands the nonprofit landscape.

**Bottom Line**

The OBBBA reshapes the tax environment for nonprofits. While the changes bring challenges, early planning—especially around **fundraising strategy, executive compensation, and capital projects**—can help you protect your mission and keep your organization thriving.

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