Public Policy Update - December 2022
Each month, Philanthropy Southeast provides members with monthly updates on the latest public policy developments in Washington and state capitols around the region, analyzing their possible impact on the charitable sector. If you would like to see an issue featured in a future Public Policy Update, contact Jaci Bertrand, Philanthropy Southeast's vice president of member engagement, at jaci@philanthropysoutheast.org.
Foundations on the Hill Returns In-Person – Register Today!
Registration for next year’s Foundations on the Hill is now open – and for the first time since 2020, it will be an in-person event in Washington!
Foundations on the Hill, taking place February 27-March 1, represents your best opportunity to discuss your foundation’s work and priorities with lawmakers and their staff – and urge them to advance policies that boost philanthropy’s impact and move our region forward.
Presented in partnership with the United Philanthropy Forum, this year’s Foundations on the Hill will offer opportunities for both building relationships with lawmakers and boosting your knowledge of policy. Arrive early to take advantage of a full day of programming on February 27 or come in that evening for the official FOTH Welcome Reception ahead of two days of Hill visits. You can learn more about the agenda at the Forum’s website.
The Philanthropy Southeast staff will work with you and other attendees from your state to schedule visits on Capitol Hill and provide you with the information and materials you need to promote philanthropy’s work and priorities.
Foundations on the Hill is also a great opportunity to connect with fellow Philanthropy Southeast members who see public policy as important to their work – you’ll leave with connections from both Capitol Hill and the entire region!
You can register to attend Foundations on the Hill now, but if you’d like to learn more, sign up for our January 18 webinar, Why You Should Attend FOTH in 2023. You’ll hear from our team and from members who will discuss how Foundations on the Hill – and outreach to lawmakers – helps them boost the impact of their giving.
We hope you can join us next year in Washington to help amplify the voice of Southern philanthropy!
Philanthropy Southeast Members Send Letter to Lawmakers Backing Universal Charitable Deduction
As lawmakers continue to work on a year-end tax-and-spending package, Philanthropy Southeast members are sending a clear message to Congress in support of reviving a universal charitable deduction available to everyone who files a tax return – not just those who itemize.
Earlier this week, Philanthropy Southeast sent a letter, signed by 29 philanthropic leaders throughout the region, to Congressional leadership and to the offices of House and Senate members representing states in the Southeast.
“This has placed tremendous pressure on charitable organizations at a time of high inflation and deep economic uncertainty – in addition, many communities in our region are still reeling from the impact of flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters,” the letter reads. “Fortunately, Congress can help relieve this pressure by enacting the Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act.”
The letter is part of a coordinated push by the sector in support of a universal charitable deduction – last week, the Charitable Giving Coalition sent its own message signed by Philanthropy Southeast and a wide variety of organizations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A universal charitable deduction was enacted in 2020 as part of pandemic relief legislation. It was later extended through 2021 but has since expired.
This marks the first time Philanthropy Southeast has worked with its members on such a letter, though it will not be the last – keep an eye out in the year ahead for other opportunities to add your voice to our advocacy efforts!
