Hundreds of Charitable Sector Leaders Gather in D.C. for “Protect Giving Day,” Warn of Cascading Consequences if Lawmakers Harm Charitable Tax Deduction
On November 20th, more than 200 frontline nonprofit and charitable sector leaders will gather in Washington to warn members of Congress of the cascading consequences that could be set off by harmful limitations to the charitable tax deduction. The Charitable Giving Coalition – a group of more than 60 nonprofits, foundations and other charitable organizations – represents a growing chorus of people from throughout America delivering a clear message to lawmakers – “I am the charitable deduction” – and sharing real-life examples about the impact of charities and the ripple effects of the charitable sector at work in communities every day.
WHEN/WHERE/WHAT:
November 20, 2013 – Participants will hold meetings with congressional members and staff throughout the day and gather for a congressional staff lunch briefing to hear from Coalition leaders and tax policy experts.
Noon – 1 p.m.
- Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902
***(Lunch and refreshments will be provided.)
The lunch briefing includes “Gauging the Impact: A Panel Discussion on the Charitable Deduction and its Effect on Our Communities.” Participants will explore proposals to cut, cap or limit the charitable deduction and the potentially devastating impacts. At this briefing, the American Enterprise Institute will release new research on how changes in tax policy will affect charitable giving.
Reverend Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, will deliver opening remarks. Panelists include:
- Arthur Brooks, Ph.D., president, American Enterprise Institute
- Eugene Steuerle, Ph.D., Richard B. Fisher chair and Institute Fellow, Urban Institute
- Robert Sharpe, president, The Sharpe Group
- Gloria Johnson-Cusack, executive director, Leadership 18 (moderator)
WHO:
In addition to panelists, representatives from participating organizations will be available to discuss the charitable sector’s efforts to protect the charitable tax deduction and what is at stake in communities if lawmakers enact harmful policy changes. Key spokespeople include:
- Peter Aquino, board chair, United Way Worldwide
- Rhett Butler, government liaison, Association of Gospel Rescue Missions
- Joanne Florino senior vice president for public policy, Philanthropy Roundtable
- Jim Gibbons, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries International
- Michael King, national president and CEO, Volunteers of America
- John Lippincott, president, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- Jerry Silverman, president, Jewish Federations of North America
- Vikki Spruill, president and CEO, Council on Foundations
- Stacey Stewart, U.S. president, United Way Worldwide
WHY:
The federal government shutdown is over and political leaders in Washington, D.C., are turning their focus back to deficit reduction and tax reform, including proposed harmful changes to the charitable tax deduction. Fewer charitable dollars and government cutbacks are a double hit to those who need help the most. Enacting changes to the charitable tax deduction amounts to a dangerous game of Jenga, triggering devastating consequences that will undermine our economy and vital nonprofit support system. On November 20th, hundreds of front-line charitable sector leaders will meet with elected officials to share their perspectives, including powerful examples about the strength and stability the charitable sector provides to the communities it serves.
HOW:
Media interested in covering “Protect Giving Day” activities should contact Sean Walsh at [email protected] or 917-687-8291 or Becky Flesichauer at [email protected] or 302-588-0671.
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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 The Philanthropy Roundtable, among others. Formed in 2009, the coalition is a broad cross-section of nonprofit organizations across the country, including both the nonprofit organizations themselves and the associations and umbrella groups that serve their needs. 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.charitablegivingcoalition.org, #protectgiving, @CGC_DC