Protecting Philanthropy - Latest Updates

The Council will continue to speak out to share the importance of a strong, independent and vibrant philanthropic and charitable sector. Read more of our public statements:

• Nearly 700 philanthropic organizations have signed our public statement, showing their commitment to philanthropy’s freedom to give.
• Joint statement by the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum on threats to civil society and the independence of the charitable sector.

Congress is considering a reconciliation bill that could have significant implications for grantmaking organizations and the charitable sector. Check out our Tax Reform hub for the latest information.

• Senate Finance Committee Releases Legislative Text: On June 16, the Senate Finance Committee released its portion of the reconciliation package. The Senate’s legislative text featured several key differences from the House passed version of H.R.1, which passed the chamber 215-214-1 on May 22. The package must now pass the Senate with a simple majority before going back to the House for consideration.
  • The initial Senate legislative text excludes some harmful provisions featured in the House passed legislation, such as the private foundation excise tax on net investment income. The Council will continue to monitor developments and advocate against these harmful policies.
  • See our detailed summary of the bill's impact on philanthropy, including differences between the House and Senate versions.
• It’s now critical to engage both the House and Senate. Check out our Tax Reform hub for the latest information.
• Budget reconciliation primer: Follow where Congress is in the budget reconciliation process
• Bills we support: Take action to support the Charitable Act & Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act

Our team is actively monitoring the administration’s executive actions to understand their impact on our members and the wider sector. More on all the executive actions we are following can be found on our Executive Actions hub.

• EO 14173: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
• EO 14148: Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions

We are keeping abreast of the latest court cases that could have an impact on the sector. Below are the latest developments in a couple of the cases we are monitoring. For more information and to see all the cases we are watching, check out our Court Cases hub.

• National Religious Broadcasters vs. Werfel
• American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Southwest Airlines Co.

Our legal resources team is available to help provide insight and help as you navigate new legal questions and issues. Explore the helpful resources they have put together for our members on relevant topics.

• Resources to help Council members with their internal risk assessment
• Explainers about what it means to lobby in self-defense: private foundations and public charities

Member Policy Briefings

Member Policy Briefings provide a forum for philanthropic leaders to stay informed and exchange perspectives on how the evolving policy environment may impact philanthropy. Invitations to these calls are limited to ensure a productive discussion and due to limitations with Zoom Meetings.

Our Action Alerts and Sign on Letters make it easy to advocate for the philanthropic sector. These actions are an effective and powerful way to share your foundation’s story and the importance of the broad philanthropic sector with Member of Congress.

• Join the Council’s Public Policy Action Network
• Explore our Advocacy Toolkit
• Reach out to our Government Affairs or Legal Resources team