Press Releases
For media requests contact Alison Hawkins, Director of External Affairs at ahawkins@philanthropyroundtable.org or at 202-822-8333.
Bipartisan support shown for keeping the charitable deduction intact
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Alliance for Charitable Reform (ACR) applauded testimony in today’s Finance Committee Hearing, which focused on incentives for charitable giving, for showing strong support for preserving the charitable deduction and ensuring giving continues to serve those in need.
“We applaud Senators Hatch, Baucus and others for their support in preserving giving, especially in today’s tough economic climate,” said Sue Santa, Senior Vice President of The Philanthropy Roundtable. “We also applaud those who testified on behalf of charitable giving, reiterating its importance to charitable organizations. Those organizations are providing help to many in desperate need, and as we heard in today’s hearing, now is not the time to experiment with changing the charitable deduction.”
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Nonprofit Leaders Reiterate the Most Harm Will be to Those Who Use Nonprofit Services
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nonprofit leaders from all over the country came to Washington Thursday to speak out against proposals to limit the charitable deduction and met with more than 30 members of Congress, including those on the powerful Finance, Ways and Means and Super Committees.
The diverse group of leaders brought the message that giving is down, the demand for services is rising and government funds are dwindling. They advised lawmakers that the president’s proposal to cap the itemized deduction at 28% would reduce charitable giving and ultimately will harm those they serve and who need help the most.
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Nonprofit Leaders to go to Congress for “Fly In/Speak Out: Preserve Giving”, Meet with Elected Officials
WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 40 nonprofit leaders will meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill Thursday, October 6th, to reinforce the message that reducing the charitable deduction to pay for the President’s job plan will affect those hit the hardest by the economy. Nonprofit leaders have united in opposing any changes, including this proposal that will reduce giving.
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Coalition of Organizations Send Letter to Congress, Plan Day on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to proposals to limit the charitable contribution tax deduction, a coalition of nonprofit organizations sent a letter to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the members of the “Super Committee” laying out the potential damage to Americans seeking help from nonprofit services.
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Further Reading
New bill protects philanthropic freedom and encourages charitable giving in the sunshine state
On May 27, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist of Florida signed into law Senate Bill 998 which protects Florida foundations and the charities they support. ACR, along with a coalition of key legislators, foundations, philanthropic associations and policy organizations, advanced this legislation as part of a state-based strategy to protect donor intent and philanthropic freedom.
Additional Resources
- Legislation: SB 998 text (see page 10, line 288)
- Summary of Legislation:
- Press Release: ACR announces bill passage (June 1, 2010)
- Policy Brief: Philanthropy’s Future in the Sunshine State, James Madison Institute (December 2009)
- Point of View: Assault on Philanthropy, James Madison Institute (December 2009)
- Model Legislation: Text of Model State legislation to protect philanthropic freedom
Press
- Summer 2010 President’s Note: Sunshine for Philanthropic Freedom, Philanthropy Magazine (Adam Meyerson)
- 7/11 Letter to the Editor: Florida’s New Foundation Law Protects Donor Intent, Chronicle of Philanthropy (Sue Santa)
——6/11 Opinion: New FL Law Makes It Harder for Foundations to Live Up to Values, Chronicle of Philanthropy (Emmett Carson)
- 6/14 Opinion: FL Law Stands up for Charity, Washington Examiner & San Francisco Examiner (Adam Meyerson)
- 6/4 Florida Protects Philanthropic Freedom, Philanthropy Daily
- 6/1 Fla. Adopts Legislation to Protect Foundations’ Autonomy, Chronicle of Philanthropy
- June New Florida law, Resolutions Promote & Protect State’s Philanthropy, Florida Philanthropic Network
A new study defends the limited relationship between philanthropy and government
Washington, D.C. - June 19, 2009
Today, The Philanthropy Roundtable releases a new report on charitable giving and the government’s relationship with foundations and charities. The report, How Public Is Private Philanthropy? Separating Reality from Myth, is a comprehensive legal analysis that examines the claim that charitable funds are “public money” because they are exempt from federal taxes, receive state charters, and are subject to oversight by state attorneys general.
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Further Reading
ACR Press Release
Today, Joanne Florino, Executive Director of the Triad Foundation and member of the Alliance for Charitable Reform (ACR), testified before the House Education and Labor Committee during a hearing on the impact of the arts community on America’s communities.
As the representative from the foundation community, Florino highlighted the important role foundations play in supporting America’s communities, and specifically the arts community. She spoke to the need to incentivize giving during this unprecedented time of need, and how President Obama’s proposal to limit on the charitable deduction is a step in the wrong direction.
Further Reading
ACR Press Release on 2009 “Good Giving” platform
Washington, DC - March 18, 2009
The Alliance for Charitable Reform (“ACR”) expressed its concerns today about the Obama Administration’s budget proposal to limit charitable deductions, noting that such action “would have a chilling effect on private donations to America’s charities and nonprofit organizations.”
“We believe the President’s proposal is headed in the wrong direction, particularly during a time of demonstrated hardship,” said Sandra Swirski, Executive Director for ACR. “Instead of discouraging philanthropy, we need to incentivize charitable giving in a responsible way.”
Further Reading
ACR Press Release on NCRP report
The Alliance for Charitable Reform releases a statement on the new report by NCRP.
Excerpt: “Today, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) released a set of benchmarks for what they call, “Philanthropy at its Best”. Despite its name, these benchmarks have nothing to do with measuring effectiveness. In fact, the natural consequence of these benchmarks will be to reduce the scope and diversity of the foundation sector to one that serves a more narrow set of highly politicized interests.”
For the full ACR press release on this report, download the file below.
Further Reading
