Proper Oversight
Adam Meyerson, president of The Philanthropy Roundtable, recently delivered a speech entitled “The Generosity of America” as part of a lecture series sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship.
Adam notes “Private charitable giving is at the heart and soul of public discourse in our democracy. It makes possible our great think tanks, whether left, right or center. Name a great issue of public debate today: climate change, the role of government in health care, school choice, stem cell research, same-sex marriage. On all these issues, private philanthropy enriches debate by enabling organizations with diverse viewpoints to articulate and spread their message.”
He cautions us though, warning “this freedom to give is now under serious threat… three kinds of proposals coming from Capitol Hill, the IRS, state governments, and sometimes from the charitable sector itself, that should be of concern to all Americans.”
The full article is available here.
ACR & coalition submit a petition to Senator Baucus
Today, a letter was sent by a coalition of organizations and foundations to Senator Max Baucus, the current chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Finance, to spare the charitable tax deduction. ACR joined this coalition with the aim of protecting the charitable deduction from future reductions as a policymakers look to it as a revenue raiser for expansions in government programs. The coalition includes the American Red Cross International, Council on Foundations and the United Way among others. We’ll keep you posted.
Further Reading
Sue Santa guest blogs on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Civic Leaders website about a recent study on the economic impact of changes to tax incentives for different types of charities.
Further Reading
Lawmakers hope to use foundations to close budget shortfalls in provision of services
A recent New York Times article reporting on a deal to close California’s $26 billion budget gap, highlights a disturbing trend of thought among lawmakers. While these Calirfornia lawmakers “hope” that foundations will pick up the slack from slashed funding to health and human service programs, may other take this a step further ?
Further Reading
Sue Santa guest blogs on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Civic Leaders blog about the release of the Roundtable’s recent report How Public is Private Philanthropy?
Further Reading
Written Testimony of ACR Joanne Florino for the House Education and Labor Committee
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor
March 26, 2009
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Further Reading
DC Examiner, William E. Simon Jr.
America is the most charitable country on earth. Our citizens have stepped forward with their resources because of an historic tradition that encourages and provides them with the freedom to support causes they believe in. The direction of these resources is not dictated by government or political parties, but instead by the powerful tool of donor intent which is recognized as the most effective means for distribution. This freedom of choice encourages mission, focus and creativity thereby benefiting thousands upon thousands of worthy causes.
Further Reading
ACR continues to identify and respond to challenges to the charitable community in the states as well, particularly those originating from interest groups and activist organizations. For example, last year the California Legislature considered AB 624, a bill that would have significantly increased onerous reporting requirements for foundations and their grantees. The legislation was promoted by Greenlining Institute, an aggressive activist organization.
We believe the impetus for comprehensive reporting was merely a veil for the true goal - influencing and ultimately directing foundations to fund causes preferred by Greenlining itself. Again, ACR activated many in the charitable community to add their voices in opposition to this legislation. While the legislation ultimately failed, Greenlining has expanded its focus to other states and has recently opened an office in Washington, D.C.
Wall Street Journal Editorial, Heather R. Higgins
A bill purporting to encourage diversity among nonprofits has passed the California Assembly and faces a key vote in the state senate in early June. While little attention has been paid to this bill, it poses an enormous threat to private philanthropy in this country.
Further Reading
BusinessWire
At the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing on “Charities and Charitable Giving: Proposals for Reform” on Tuesday April 5, the Alliance for Charitable Reform (ACR) called for increased penalties for those who break the law and for better enforcement of existing laws.
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