WASHINGTON, D.C.— Charitable Giving Coalition Chair Brian Flahaven issued the following statement in recognition of Giving Tuesday:
“Today, the Charitable Giving Coalition joins the charitable and nonprofit sector in celebrating Giving Tuesday. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has marked the beginning of the year-end season of giving, during which Americans display unmatched generosity through charitable donations.
“As the most charitable nation in the world, Americans continue to provide billions of dollars each year to support charities and faith-based organizations across the nation. Last year was the first in more than three decades in which all Americans were able to receive at least some tax deduction for their charitable gifts.
“Americans give and volunteer their time to make a difference and to help those in need. However, tax incentives, like the universal charitable deduction for non-itemizers, help encourage even more giving. After Congress enacted the $300 universal charitable deduction in March 2020, giving data showed an increase in both donations and donors. Americans always respond in times of crisis, and there may be multiple factors contributing to these increases in generosity, but the universal charitable deduction is likely one of the contributing factors.
“Unless Congress extends the temporary universal charitable deduction, December will be the last opportunity for most Americans to make a gift to charity that is deductible. As we enter this season of giving, we encourage lawmakers to keep in mind the great work charitable organizations are doing to support their communities and we urge them to extend and expand the universal charitable deduction in year-end legislation.”
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The Charitable Giving Coalition
Representing private and community foundations, their grantees and independent charities, the Charitable Giving Coalition’s members include United Way Worldwide, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA, the American Council on Education, Jewish Federations of North America, the American Institute for Cancer Research, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Independent Sector, the Council on Foundations, and United Philanthropy Forum, among others. Formed in 2009, the coalition is dedicated to preserving the charitable giving incentive that ensures that our nation’s charities receive the funds necessary to fulfill their essential philanthropic missions. The coalition provides a unique and unified voice on Capitol Hill on issues affecting the charitable deduction, a voice composed of both direct lobbying and robust grassroots advocacy. www.chartiablegivingcoalition.org, @CGC_DC