Nonprofits and Foundations Stand United in Opposition to the Tax Bill

Independent Sector, the Council on Foundations, and the National Council of Nonprofits, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable and philanthropic organizations, are unified in opposition to the final tax legislation. 

This is the most consequential tax legislation for the charitable community since the charitable deduction was introduced 100 years ago, and likely the most damaging to the future of charitable giving. The changes proposed in the tax code would fundamentally weaken the ability of charitable organizations to raise money, provide services, and benefit our communities.

The final tax bill will decrease charitable giving by up to $20 billion per year by effectively limiting the charitable deduction to fewer than 10 percent of taxpayers. It increases the tax burden on charitable organizations, as well as the most vulnerable people in our country, in order to give tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest among us. These and other provisions in the bill undermine the work of the nonprofit sector while increasing the need for the good work that we do.

We strongly urge Members of Congress to vote “no” on this tax bill.  The nonprofit community plays a critical role in providing health, safety, food, housing, cultural and spiritual guidance, and other vital services to all of our communities, but we cannot do this work alone and seek a healthier partnership with government leaders.

It is not too late to take the time and thoughtfulness to provide the American people the tax relief they need without compromising the very role of civil society in the United States. Congress needs to scrap this bill and start over.

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About Independent Sector
Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations, and corporations to advance the common good. Learn more at independentsector.org. Media Contact: Kristina Gawrgy Campbell, kristinac@independentsector.org, 202-467-6144

About the National Council of Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits (Council of Nonprofits) is a trusted resource and proven advocate for America’s charitable nonprofits. Connecting the policy dots across all levels and branches of governments, the Council of Nonprofits keeps nonprofits informed and empowered to create a positive public policy environment that best supports nonprofits in advancing their missions. Working with and through the nation’s largest network of nonprofits – with 25,000-plus organizational members - we identify emerging trends, share proven practices, and promote solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the communities they serve. Media Contact: Rick Cohen, rcohen@councilofnonprofits.org, 202-962-0322

About the Council on Foundations
An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally. Media Contact: Jared Powell, Jared.Powell@cof.org, 703-879-0625