President Trump’s tax plan would reduce charitable giving by 4.5 to 9 percent, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. Analysis from the American Enterprise Institute estimates that Trump’s current tax proposal could eliminate more than $17 billion in annual giving.
It’s time to join the fight against any efforts to reduce charitable-giving incentives. As the US Congress drafts tax-reform legislation and negotiates with the Trump Administration, The Charitable Giving Coalition, Chaired by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, is hosting an advocacy day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Feb. 16, 2017.
To participate, you must email Ali Davidson (adavidson[at]urbanswirski.com) to register by the end of business on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. When you register, provide your name, organization, state, and Congressional district. There is no charge to participate, but you will be responsible for your own travel and lodging expenses.
The “100 Years of Giving Fly-In” advocacy event is a great chance to meet with policymakers and their staff to advocate for maintaining the full value of the charitable deduction, as well as its possible expansion.
Over the years, I’ve participated in a number of advocacy events with AFP. They are fun and interesting. Moreover, it’s exciting to help make an important difference for the entire nonprofit sector. But, to make a difference, our sector needs to show up. You need to show up.
The Charitable Giving Coalition says:
For 100 years, America has recognized the value of the charitable deduction as an incentive for taxpayers to give money to charity in an effort to better society. Lawmakers are drafting tax reform legislation at this very moment, and we need your help to ensure the value of the charitable deduction is not diminished. The goal of the 100 Years of Giving Fly-In is to have a wide array of participants representing the nonprofit sector including private and community foundations and charities who can attest to how vital the charitable deduction is….
Below is a brief schedule of events:
Wednesday, February 15th:
6:00pm-8:00pm — Working Dinner and Advocacy Overview
Thursday, February 16th:
9:30am-5:00pm — Meetings with Congressional Members and Staff on Capitol Hill
Personalized schedules available closer to event
While representatives from everywhere are encouraged to attend, AFP reports that additional representation is especially needed from the following areas for meetings with the following officials:
- Delaware – Sen. Tom Carper (D)
- Georgia – Sen. Johnny Isakson (R), Rep. Rob Woodall (R)
- Louisiana – Rep. Steve Scalise (R), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R)
- Michigan – Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), Rep. Sander Levin (D), Rep. Justin Amash (R)
- Montana – Sen. Jon Tester (D)
- Nebraska – Rep. Adrian Smith (R)
- Nevada – Sen. Dean Heller (R)
- North Carolina – Sen. Richard Burr (R), Rep. George Holding (R), Rep. Mark Walker (R), Rep. Mark Meadows (R)
- North Dakota – Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D)
- Oregon – Sen. Ron Wyden (D)
- Tennessee – Rep. Diane Black (R)
- Texas – Rep. Kevin Brady (R), Rep. Bill Flores (R), Rep. Kenny Marchant (R), Rep. Sam Johnson (R), Sen. John Cornyn (R)
- Wyoming – Sen. Mike Enzi (R), Sen. John Barrasso (R)
If you’re unable to attend the Fly-In, I still encourage you to get involved. Call or write your Representative and Senators to ask them to support charitable giving incentives. The Charitable Giving Coalition has prepared a talking points sheet that you will find useful, just click here.
When tweeting about the advocacy effort, use the hashtag #ProtectGiving.
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