The Charitable Giving Coalition sent the following letter to Senate and House leaders encouraging renewal and expansion of the charitable deduction for non-itemizers before year end. You can find a PDF of the letter here.
On behalf of the Charitable Giving Coalition (CGC), a diverse group representing thousands of charitable and faith-based organizations across the country, we write to urge the renewal and expansion of the universal charitable deduction for non-itemizing taxpayers.
In 2021, Americans gave almost $485 billion to charity, according to Giving USA. However, 2021 giving did not keep pace with inflation, and when compared to 2020 numbers, giving fell by 0.7 percent. Furthermore, according to a September 2022 poll conducted by Independent Sector, nearly half (49 percent) of respondents who are very concerned about inflation said they plan to give less to charity this year than they did last year.
The charitable deduction is good tax policy. It encourages individuals to give away more money to charity than they otherwise would. Unfortunately, the current charitable deduction is currently only used by those who itemize, which most estimates suggest is only about 12 percent of taxpayers. The temporary universal charitable deduction expired at the end of 2021, creating uncertainty for Americans and the charities that rely on their donations to serve their communities.
The need for more charitable giving is not going away. Following the recent natural disasters plaguing many states and communities, nonprofit services are in even higher demand than usual. Congress can help alleviate some of the pressures the sector is facing by restoring and expanding the universal charitable deduction, which encourages all Americans, regardless of income, to give to charity. The Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act (S. 618, H.R. 1704) would be a step in that direction. Introduced and supported by a broad bipartisan, bicameral coalition of lawmakers, the bill would raise the cap on the expired non-itemizer charitable deduction and make gifts to donor-advised funds eligible for the universal charitable deduction.
We encourage you and your colleagues to renew and expand the non-itemizer universal charitable deduction in year-end legislation. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to America’s charitable community.
Sincerely,
Charitable Giving Coalition
Signatories (as of December 6, 2022):
Alabama
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Alaska
The Foraker Group, University of Alaska Foundation
Arizona
Abbett Family Foundation Ability360, Administration of Resources and Choices Advent Episcopal Church, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, Arc of Mohave County, Arizona Academic Decathlon Association, Inc., Arizona Alliance of YMCAs, Arizona Autism United, Arizona Bach Festival, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Domestic Violence, Arizona Dance Coalition, Arizona Foundation for Women, LLC, Arizona Housing Coalition, Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation, Arizona’s Children Association, Assistance League of Tucson, AzMNH Foundation, Benevilla, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Black Canyon City Community Association/Black Canyon Heritage Park, Canticum Novum, Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, Chandler Education Foundation, Inc., Child & Family Resources, Inc., Community Investment Corporation, EPIC Disability Advocacy, Flinn Foundation, Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center, Foundation for Senior Living, Good Shepherd Healing Ministries Horse Rescue, Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona, Growing Alternative Resource Development and Enterprise Network (GARDEN), Inc., Herberger Theater Center, Heritage Square Foundation, Hickey Family Foundation, Higher Octave Healing, Inc., Homeless ID Project, Hope for Homes Program Inc., Human Society of Southern Arizona, ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, KXCI, Law Matters, Little Chapel of All Nations, Inc., LS Nonprofit Consulting Services, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Medieval Mayhem Historical Arts Foundation, MIKID – Mentally Ill Kids In Distress, Miracle League of Arizona, Museum Association of Arizona NACA, Inc., One Step Beyond, Inc., Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, Phoenix Pride, Positive Paths Premier Alliances Inc., ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra, Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation, Sechler 501 Consulting, Sojourner Center, Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation, Spay and Neuter Solutions, Inc., St. Luke’s in the Desert, Inc. (St. Luke’s Home), Stardust, T.E.A.M 4 Travis, The David and Lura Lovell Foundation, The Hearth Foundation, The Social Justice + Engineering Initiative, Transplant Community Alliance, Tubac Center of the Arts, Tucson Audubon Society, Tucson Jazz Music Foundation, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, Valley View Community Food Assistance, Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity, Verde Valley Sanctuary, WHEAT (World Hunger Ecumenical Az Task Force Inc), Yavapai County Jeep Posse
Arkansas
Arkansas Community Foundation
California
American Conservatory Theatre, Boys & Girls Club of Kern County, Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Northern California Grantmakers, San Francisco Performances, San Francisco Symphony, SoCal Grantmakers, Team Rubicon, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, Theatre Bay Area, WEAVE, Inc., Women’s Funding Network, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Colorado
Aspen Community Foundation, Association of ChristianSchools International, Citygate Network, Engineering Ministries International, Grand Foundation, National CoHousing Association of U.S., Philanthropy Colorado, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Yampa Valley Community Foundation, YouthRoots
Connecticut
CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Delaware
Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Delaware Community Foundation, Philanthropy Delaware
District of Columbia
American Council on Education, Americans for the Arts, Americans for the Arts Action Fund, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Community Foundation Awareness Initiative, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Council on Foundations, Dance/USA, Faith & Giving, Independent Sector, National Association of College and University Business Officers, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Independent Schools, National Council of Nonprofits, PEAK Grantmaking, Philanthropy Roundtable, Social Current, The Nonprofit Alliance, United Philanthropy Forum, YWCA USA
Florida
Community Foundation for Brevard, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, MegaVoice International
Georgia
JCRC of Atlanta, National Christian Foundation, Philanthropy Southeast, Pisgah Consulting, LLC
Hawaii
Hawai’i Parkinson Association, Ku’ikahi Mediation Center, Pacific Whale Foundation
Idaho
Boise Art Museum, CDAIDE, Giraffe Laugh Inc., Henry’s Fork Foundation, Idaho Diaper Bank, Idaho Falls Symphony, Idaho Nonprofit Center, Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (IVC), NewWest Community Capital, Palouse Land Trust, TEN18 Foundation, Inc., Willow Center
Illinois
All Things Through Christ Outreach Ministries, Inc., Batavia United Way, Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, Corner Family Foundation, Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, Crowe LLP, Forefront, DeKalb County Community Foundation (IL), FLAP – Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project, Forefront (IL), Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jewish Federation of Chicago, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Metropolitan Family Services, New Moms, Prairieland United Way, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, Southern Illinois Community Foundation, Springfield Area Arts Council, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, The Lake County Community Foundation, United Way of Central Illinois, United Way of Danville Aream INC., United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois, United Way of Illinois, United Way of Livingston County, United Way of Logan County, United Way of Metro Chicago, United Way of Northwest Illinois, United Way of Pekin, Women Employed, YMCA of the USA, YMCA of the University of Illinois
Indiana
Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners
Iowa
EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting, Iowa Council of Foundations
Kansas
Kansas Nonprofit Chamber, Inc, United Way of the Flint Hills
Kentucky
Family & Children’s Place, Institute for Orality Strategies (i-OS), Kentuckians for the Arts, Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Inc., KY/WV Alliance of YMCAs, Lexington Philharmonic Society, Inc., Making A Difference Now (MADN), Owensboro Family YMCA, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families
Louisiana
Fablanthropy, LLC, National Performance Network
Maine
Amistad, Arts Institute of Western Maine dba ArtsFarmington, Belfast Flying Shoes, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Biddeford Mills Museum, Camp O-AT-KA, Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, Castine Historical Society, Children Families and Communities, Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine, Community Dental, Foundation for Portland Public Schools, Free ME from Lung Cancer, Freeport Historical Society, Friends in Action, Friends of Fort Gorges, Furniture Friends, Grahamtastic Connection, Greater Franklin Economic & Community Development, GrowSmart Maine, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, Habitat for Humanity York County, Heritage Radio Society, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, Hope Acts, Island Connections, Kittery Land Trust Inc., Laudholm Trust, Lincoln County Historical Association, Lincoln Memorial Public Library, Literacy Volunteers of Franklin & Somerset Counties, Locker Project, Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust, Maine Association of Nonprofits, Maine Community Action Partnership, Maine Crafts Association, Maine Environmental Education Association, Maine Food and Beverage Education Center, Maine GearShare, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Maine Preservation, Maine Public Health Association, Maine Sports Commission, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, Neighbor to Neighbor, Northern Maine Development Commission, Oasis Free Clinics, Opera Maine, Opportunity Center of North Franklin County, Inc., passivhausMAINE, Phillips Public Library, Portland Stage Company, Preble Street, Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center, Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, Saco Main Street, Sanctuary Baking, Inc., Sea Change Yoga, Sedgwick-Brooklin Historical Society, SeniorsPlus, State YMCA of Maine, Sugarloaf Ski Club, Tedford Housing, The Bingham Program, The BTS Center, The Dempsey Center, The Ecology School, Tri-County Mental Health Services, United Ostomy Association of America, United Way of Kennebec Valley, Waterford Library Association
Maryland
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council, Apra Maryland, Association of Community Services of Howard County, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Community Reach of Montgomery County, Cool & Associates, LLC, Disability Rights Maryland, Disabled Children’s Fund, Goodwill Industries International, Inc., Interfaith Works, Job Opportunities Task Force, Mabel’s Orphaned Angels Rescue, Manna Food Center, Maryland Coalition of Families, Maryland Family Network, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Maryland Nonprofits, Mental Health Association of Frederick County, Montgomery Preservation, Inc., Nonprofit Montgomery, Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation, Ltd., Saltzberg Consulting, Youth Sports Collaborative Network
Massachusetts
Handel and Haydn Society, Norman Rockwell Museum, Philanthropy Massachusetts
Michigan
Accord Network, Bethany Christian Services, Council of Michigan Foundations, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Growing Hope, Jail and Outreach Ministry, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Rapid Response Cahaplain Corps, The Henry Ford, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Minnesota
Can Do Canines, Cotter Schools, Engage Winona, Frozen River Film Festival, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, Jewish Family Service St. Paul, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Ready Set School, St. Paul Jewish Federation, The Hormel Institute UMN-Mayo Clinic, The Storm Trail Race Series, Winona Community Foundation
Mississippi
MS Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Missouri
Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph, Mo Inc., Child and Family Legal Advocacy, Robidoux Resident Theatre, St. Joseph Community Chorus, St. Louis Community Foundation, The Missouri Symphony
Montana
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, Montana Community Foundation
Nebraska
Give Nebraska, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation of Omaha
Nevada
Endowment Partners
New Hampshire
Great Bay Services, Kupenda for the Children, NH Association of Conservation Commissions, NH Center for Nonprofits, The Front Door Agency, Inc.
New Jersey
360 Philanthropy Group, LLC, ArtPride New Jersey, Boyd-Wallace House, Inc, Caddie Scholarship Foundation, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Cathedral Soup Kitchen, Inc, Community Hope, Inc., Concerned Persons for Adoption, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, CRC of NJ Inc DBA Safe Harbor Child Access Centers, David’s Shoes A NJ Nonprofit Corporation, Displaced Homemakers Network of NJ, Inc., Diversity & Equal Opportunity Network Inc., Easter Seals New Jersey, Employment Horizons, Inc, Family Promise of Bergen County, Family Promise of Bergen County (NJ), Family Promise of Bergen County Inc., Family Promise of Morris County NJ, Family Promise of Warren County, Family Resource Associates, Inc., Franklin Theatre Works, Gathering Ground, Grow It Green Morristown, Hudson County Housing Resource Center, Hudson River Apiary Society, JCC of Central NJ, Jefferson Park Ministries Inc, JESPY House, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ, JFCS of Greater Mercer Counter, Kiers Kidz, Legacy Philanthropy Group, Manville Arts Council, Marie Adelaide Center, Matheny School and Hospital, Inc., Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, Morris Arts, NAMI Middlesex, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc., New Jersey Association on Correction, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, New Jersey Future, New Jersey VOAD, New Jersey Youth Development Foundation, NewBridge Services, Next Dimensions Community Development Corporation, NJ Blind Citizens Association, Inc., NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders, NonProfitConnect, Ocean Professional Theatre Company, Orange UMC, Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Assn., Parker Family Health Center, Partners for Women and Justice, Paterson Alliance, People & Stories – Gente y Cuentos, Pillar College, Inc., PJ BioPharma Solutions, Possible Plant, Princeton Einstein Museum, Princeton-Blairstown Center, Progressive Center for Independent Living, Pushcart Players Inc., Ranch Hope, Science Research for All, Inc., Special Strides, Inc., Summit Animal Rescue Association, Inc, Team Titin, Inc., The Arc of NJ, The Bullock Garden Project, Inc., The Central Ward Women’s Shelter, The Connection for Women and Families, The Family Resource Network, The Growing Stage, The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, The Valerie Fund, Tommy’s Cats, United Way of Greater Mercer County, Urban Healthcare Initiative Program, Waylon’s Southern Thunder Ranch, Inc., We, The Youth, Inc., Westfield Neighborhood Council, Write On Sports, Inc, YWCA Northern New Jersey
New Mexico
New Mexico Thrives, Wings For LIFE International, Working Classroom, Youth Development, Inc.
New York
Agudath Israel of America, Association of National Advertisers, Association of Art Museum Directors, Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council, Charles Settlement House, Chinese Methodist Center Corporation, Covenant House International, Dancewave, Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Inc of Long Island, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, Jewish Federation of Rochester NY, Jewish Federations of North America, League of American Orchestras, New Chamber Ballet, New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc., Nonprofit New York, NY Funders Alliance, OPERA American, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Theatre Communications Group, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
North Carolina
A Cure In Sight, Animal Park at the Conservators Center, Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend, HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, Life Experiences, Inc., Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, Inc., Museum of Life and Science, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, Open Table Ministry, Inc., Polk County Community Foundation, Raise A Child of the Carolinas, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, The Elizabeth City State University Foundation, The Health Foundation, Inc., The Resiliency Collaborative, Triangle Community Foundation, United Way of Alamance County
North Dakota
Minot Symphony Association, NDANO, Northern Valley Youth Orchestras, Plains Art Museum
Ohio
Asian American Community Services, Cincinnati Art Museum, Concord Counseling Services, Directions for Youth & Families, Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, Jewish Federations of Greater Toledo, Motherful, Philanthropy Ohio, The Buckeye Ranch
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Philbrook Museum of Art, Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.
Oregon
Artists Repertory Theatre, Bethlehem Inn, Clatsop Community College Foundation, Compassion First, Crown Point Country Historical Society, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, Mt. Hood Community College, Network of Ensemble Theaters, Portland Art Museum, Rogue Valley Genealogical Society
Pennsylvania
Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Philanthropic Trust, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Western Pennsylvania Chapter, Via of the Lehigh Valley
Rhode Island
Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, College Visions, Foster Forward, Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, Girls on the Run Rhode Island, Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, Inspiring Minds, MENTOR Rhode Island, New England Basecamp, Ocean Community YMCA, Providence Public Library, RAMP real access motivates progress, Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, RISD Museum, Roots 2Empower, Sankofa Community Connection, STEAM Box, United Way of Rhode Island, WattsNatural Tutoring, YouthBuild Preparatory Academy
South Carolina
Charleston Jewish Federation, Together SC
South Dakota
South Dakota Nonprofit Network
Tennessee
American Association of Christian Schools, Harmony Foundation, Healing Hands International, Momentum Nonprofit Partners, Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Texas
American Heart Association, Attack Poverty, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Colorado River Alliance, D Thompson & Associates LLC, Dallas Symphony Association, Inc., Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Hill Country Bible Church Austin, Houston Jewish Community Foundation, International Literacy and Development, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Medical Benevolence Foundation, ROCO, Texans for the Arts, The Dallas Foundation, University of Dallas – Irving, TX
Utah
Box Elder Museum Foundation, Forever Bound Adoption, Utah Cultural Alliance, Utah Nonprofits Association
Vermont
United Way of Addison County, United Way of Northwest Vermont
Virginia
American Alliance of Museums, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Center for Public Justice, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Christian Connections for International Health, ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), Imago Dei Neighborhood School, Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, Meals on Wheels America, Mental Health America, National Council For Adoption, NetworkPeninsula, Volunteers of America
Washington
BlueBridge Alliance, Columbia Basin College Foundation, Feel Good Action, Forge Youth Mentoring, Forward Edge International, Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, Inspire Washington, Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, Nonprofit Association of Washington, Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center
West Virginia
TEAM for West Virginia Children, West Virginia Nonprofit Association
Wisconsin
Eau Claire Community Foundation
Wyoming
Northwest College Foundation, Wyoming Nonprofit Network