Philanthropic Sector Defines New Partnerships with Government for Economic Success at Capitol Hill Gathering
Threats and Opportunities in Tough Times Top Foundations on the Hill Agenda, March 21-22
More than 200 leaders from private, family, and corporate foundations and grantmaking associations will convene in Washington, D.C., March 21–22 to show lawmakers and federal agency officials how unique partnerships between foundations and government are one model for economic success in many communities still recovering from recession and joblessness. The foundation officials—who are participating in the annual Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) event cosponsored by the Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers—are also here to tell lawmakers why they should promote federal policies that encourage charitable giving, like preserving the full value of the charitable tax deduction for all Americans. For the past three years, the Obama administration has proposed undermining the incentive for some tax payers, those most able to give, jeopardizing the long-term health of charities and the communities they serve.
Threats and opportunities define the current state of philanthropy, and they are motivating foundation executives to tell their elected officials that philanthropy needs to be seen as a model partner and resource. Many foundation representatives attending FOTH have successfully partnered with local, state, and federal governments to improve their communities, but if tax policies up for discussion by Congress in 2013—like the charitable deduction, IRA rollover provision, and the excise tax on private foundations—do not continue to encourage donors to give, then a vital source of community growth and stability will be greatly undermined.
On Thursday, March 22, speakers from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education will discuss how public-philanthropic partnerships are working to improve our nation's public schools, rebuild our blighted cities, enrich our communities' cultures, and retrain workers for jobs in high-demand industries.
The full conference agenda is available online. Foundations on the Hill is being held in conjunction with the Alliance for Charitable Reform's (ACR) Summit. The Council, the Forum and ACR are leading the broad group of attendees to educate and inform Members of Congress and the Administration about the important private investments in society by philanthropy throughout the country – and the world – and pressing national issues that could impact private giving.
WHAT
Foundations on the Hill
WHO
Seth Harris, deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
Gabriella Gomez, assistant secretary for legislation and congressional affairs, U.S. Department of Education
Suzanne Immerman, director of strategic partnerships, U.S. Department of Education
Rocco Landesman, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
WHEN
Thursday, March 22
7:30–9 a.m.: Breakfast Rally with U.S. Department of Labor and Education speakers
9:15–10:15 a.m.: A Conversation with Rocco Landesman
WHERE
Grand Ballroom
The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.
HOW
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering Foundations on the Hill should contact Ashley Mills (703-879-0771).
Follow our social media platforms for real-time coverage of Foundations on the Hill:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cof (conference hashtag: #FOTH)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CouncilonFoundations
Website: http://www.foundationsonthehill.org
