Posted on May 30, 2006

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Nonprofits Urge Congress to Enact Charitable Giving Incentives, Reforms

In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Washington, D.C.-based Independent Sector and more than one hundred charitable organizations have urged Congress to enact a significant package of charitable giving incentives and charitable reforms similar to those included in the Senate's version of the Tax Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 4297).

The organizations — including AARP, the American Association of Museums, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the National Health Council, the Pittsburgh Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the United Way of America — are calling for tax incentives comparable to the provisions that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support as part of the CARE Act and the Charitable Giving Act. Those incentives would spur giving by all Americans at a time when the resources of charitable organizations are stretched thin.

Organizations signing the letter also asked Congress to close tax loopholes that have permitted unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of charitable organizations, and expressed their support for tax reforms that closely mirror recommendations made last year by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, which was convened by Independent Sector at the invitation of Congress to improve the accountability, transparency, and governance of charitable organizations.

"These charitable incentives will encourage giving by all Americans to help meet community needs," said Independent Sector president and CEO Diana Aviv. "Coupled with reforms designed to stop real abuses of charitable resources, these provisions would take significant steps to strengthen the charitable organizations that are so vital to our country."

To read the full text of the letter, visit: http://www.independentsector.org/programs/gr/charity_signon.html.

“More Than 100 Charitable Organizations Join Independent Sector in Support of Charitable Giving Incentives and Reforms.” Independent Sector Press Release 5/25/06.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Location(s): National, Washington, D.C.

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