This post originally appeared at the Council on Foundations website.

Right now, over 200 leaders from across the philanthropic sector are uniting in Washington, D.C. to tell their lawmakers that thriving philanthropy builds thriving communities. As lawmakers contemplate comprehensive tax reform, individual changes to the tax code and the President’s FY2015 budget, we must ensure Washington understands that tax policy matters to philanthropy.

Even if you couldn’t make it to Washington, we still need your support during this important debate.

Here are three ways you can take part in Philanthropy Week and make your voice heard in your community:

1. Learn What’s at Stake

The latest proposal from House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp to pursue comprehensive tax reform, in addition to President Obama’s budget proposal, present new limitations the could constrain the impact of foundations. The Council’s Public Policy and Legal Affairs team has prepared a one-pager on some of the important provisions what’s at stake.

2. Participate in Our Twitter Chat

Friday March 7, from 12:00-1:00 pm
Co-Hosted by

This conversation will touch on a variety of topics including: perspectives on the president’s proposed budget and its impact on the sector, the current policy debate around philanthropy’s role in the economy, the challenges of responding to increase demand with limited resources, and the rising importance of public-philanthropic partnerships.

This chat will be part of the #cf100 series of Twitter chats, marking the 100th anniversary of community foundations.

Participate in the Twitter Chat by using: #pwdc, #cf100, or #PhilanThrive.

3. Highlight Philanthropy’s Impact in Your Community

Our outreach guide has a quick summary of the ways you can engage your community and stakeholders in the Philanthropy Week dialog. On our website you will find:

  • Template Op-Eds
  • Template Letters to Lawmakers
  • Template Press Releases
  • In-Depth Online Outreach Guide
  • Webinars on Effective Story Telling and Washington’s Policy Landscape
3 Ways to Bring Philanthropy Week to Your Community