Senate Creates Philanthropy Caucus

Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Burr (R-NC) have established the Senate Philanthropy Caucus, which will work to find ways to help foundations and charities, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports.

In a letter sent in late July, Schumer and Burr asked colleagues to join the caucus and praised American philanthropies for improving the nation's culture, strengthening nonprofit groups, and enabling communities to try new ideas and test theories. "The work done by private foundations, nonprofit groups, and individual philanthropists plays an essential role in each of our states, and it is increasingly important for members of Congress to be informed about developments in the philanthropic sector," the letter stated.

More than a year ago, the House established the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, which has forty-four members. According to Rodney Emory, vice president of government relations at the Council on Foundations, the council provided an overview about how foundations work during the Congressional Caucus's first official meeting in the spring. The council hopes to schedule a briefing for both philanthropy caucuses in the fall.

Perry, Suzanne. “U.S. Senate Creates Philanthropy Caucus.” Chronicle of Philanthropy 8/19/08.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism

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