Being Part of a Larger Voice of Philanthropic Leaders
Once again, we’re joining our colleagues from across the nation and visiting with our Congressional delegation – albeit virtually – as part of Foundations on the Hill.
Over the years, being part of a larger voice of philanthropic leaders has been critical to making change – consider the private foundation excise tax. It’s true the private foundation excise tax took over a decade to move forward, but multiple voices joining together led to modifying the two-tiered system to a flat rate of 1.39%.
Today we’re engaged in ongoing conversations about a universal charitable giving incentive. Speaking with one voice at FOTH, we’re encouraging renewal of the charitable non-itemizer deduction at least through 2022, and significantly increasing the cap on the deduction as proposed in the bipartisan Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act. Further down the road, conversations will turn to what a universal incentive could look like once the increased standard deduction, (one of the provisions in the 2017 tax law), expires after tax year 2025.
We’re also introducing policymakers to the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act as part of our conversations. The purpose of this act is to “make the federal government a more productive partner with nonprofits, improve access to data about the sector, and raise awareness of the sector throughout government.” Sadly, legislation that came out in the early days of COVID didn’t include nonprofits. That was a huge wake-up call. This act would give nonprofits a seat at the table.
Closer to home, much of NJ state policy is influenced by 1,000+ boards, commissions, and authorities. I’m proud to announce that recently Director of Member Services Craig Weinrich was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service. He learned about these kinds of opportunities at a recent Center for Non-Profits webinar, More Ways to Serve: A Look at the Gubernatorial Appointments Process.
All of this goes back to voice – having a voice, lending a voice, being part of a collective voice. Philanthropy must step up and be a voice for our nonprofit partners, our communities, and our democracy. Our voice matters. And not just at Foundations on the Hill.
Before I close – I hope to see you on May 26 at the 2022 Virtual Spring Colloquium: A Conversation on Social Sector: Igniting Equitable Systems Change Together. Bring your voice to this important conversation.
All the best,
Theresa Jacks, Acting President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers