HARTFORD, CT -- The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy's public policy update from the March 4, 2015 eBrief includes information about Foundations on the Hill and an update on the Charitable Tax Provisions.
Foundations on the Hill, March 17 & 18
Council President Maggie Osborn, Michael Johnston, CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and Elaine Mintz, director of Fairfield County's Community Foundation's Center for Nonprofit Excellence, will be meeting with our congressional leaders during Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). The two-day event, which is hosted by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, in partnership with the Council on Foundations, brings foundation leaders from all over the country to DC for meetings with Congress about key issues of importance to foundations and philanthropy.
How You Can Support This Effort
- Be a part of the Connecticut Coalition of Foundations on the Hill. If you are interested in joining the team, contact us right away, 860-525-5585, mosborn@CTphilanthropy.org.
- Send us stories that the CT Team can relay to our congressmen: How is your organization impacting your region? How would the Charitable Tax Provisions impact giving in your area.
Update on the Charitable Tax Provisions
- The House passed the America Gives More Act of 2015 (H.R. 644), on February 13, but it remains stalled in the Senate and under the threat of Presidential veto. The legislation would make permanent the IRA charitable rollover and the enhanced deductions for donations of food and land conservation easements, all of which expired on January 1, as well as simplify the excise tax rate on the investment income of private foundations. (Source: Independent Sector)
- Council members and staff participated in a conference call with Congressman John Larson on February 20. The Congressman spoke of his frustration with how the America Gives More Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill, has become politicized. He would like the Charitable Tax Provisions to become permanent, but would like to see them offset with revenues; the total 4-bill package is estimated to cost 14 billion over ten years.
What You Can Do
You can send a simple email to your member of Congress asking them to speak out in support of the bills.