Charities grapple with Washington’s fiscal chaos
By Haviv Rettig Gur
NEW YORK – The fallout from the fiscal chaos gripping Washington in recent weeks – indeed, in recent years – will not pass over the American Jewish and nonprofit communities, according to key lobbyists for the nonprofit sector.
Washington’s budget battles pose several potentially severe risks for nonprofits that depend on charitable dollars. In particular, charities are concerned about the automatic budget cuts known as “sequestration” and possible changes to the federal charitable tax deduction that could significantly reduce the tax incentives for charitable giving, especially for the wealthiest donors.
Federations ask Congress: Defend charity deductions
By Robert Wiener
The NJ State Association of Jewish Federations endorsed a national effort by nonprofits to ensure income tax deductions for charitable contributions.
As a member of the Center for Non-Profits, the association backed a letter sent by the center’s executive director to Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ D-Dist. 9), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
UNITED WAY: Advocating to preserve the charitable tax deduction
By Kevin J. Wilhelm
On Valentine’s Day, 14 state and local United Way CEOs, as well as United Way Worldwide CEO Brian Gallagher, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee about preserving the charitable tax deduction and the central role that charitable giving plays in strengthening communities.
Gallagher urged the committee to preserve the charitable deduction for all donors and asked that they consider ways to further incentivize private charitable giving. The CEOs of the 13 state and local United Ways testified that a modification to the charitable deduction would impact their ability to respond to the unique needs of their community.
Over 40 Nonprofit Officials and Experts to Testify on Charitable Deduction
By Suzanne Perry
More than 40 nonprofit leaders and experts are scheduled to testify on Thursday at a Congressional hearing on proposals to modify the charitable deduction.
The House Ways and Means Committee, sponsor of the hearing, will receive testimony from representatives of trade associations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, and National Council of Nonprofits and charities including the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, Meals on Wheels, and Volunteers of America.