Public Policy

The Council on Foundations, National Council of Nonprofits and Independent Sector today voiced united opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being considered in the U.S. Senate. Leaders of the three organizations, which represent foundations and charitable nonprofits, sent a letter to lawmakers,…

Community Foundations Week is the perfect time to celebrate the great work community foundations do around the country. This is especially true at a time when foundations are being asked to do more and more because of federal, state, and local budget cuts. In my role at the Council on Foundations,…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot Tax reform: House passes tax reform package; Senate continues committee markup. IRS notices rule for charitable giving for wildfire damages. In the States: The Cuts are Coming, Montana Continues its Strict Campaign Finance Tradition News from the Hill…

Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill: “Just minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A once-in-a-generation opportunity for tax reform has been missed. The negative impacts of this bill on…

The Council on Foundations and the National Council of Nonprofits stand united in opposing H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, because of significant changes to proven tax policies that have served the American people well, most notably the following: Severely Cutting Back Charitable Giving:…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot House marks up tax reform bill; Action in the Senate imminent New Report Details Recommendations for Combatting the Opioid Crisis In the States: Election Day 2017 results, New Mexico alleges solicitation violations on behalf of nonprofits News from the Hill…

On November 8, 2017, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill: “The Joint Committee on Taxation has released an analysis of the impact of the recently introduced tax reform bill on charitable deductions for fiscal year 2018 which finds…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot House GOP Leaders Release Tax Reform Bill Treasury Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy Named Acting Commissioner of IRS Congress Must Raise Debt Limit by January 2018 In the States: Locals Focus on Supporting Community Nonprofits and Volunteers, North Carolina…

Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill: “For nearly 70 years, the Council on Foundations has worked to inspire and expand a culture of charitable giving and enhance philanthropy’s ability to contribute to vibrant, healthy and…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot Tax Reform Update: House votes on key measure to advance tax reform; tax bill expected next week IRS releases 2017-2018 Priority Guidance In the States: Elected official fundraising for nonprofits under review in the states News from the Hill So, What's Up…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot Tax Reform Update: Senate to vote on legislation that would lay the path for tax reform Repealing the Johnson Amendment Remains a Target A reflection on executive and regulatory activity in the Trump Administration In the States: Elected official fundraising…

On October 11, 2017, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill: “Earlier this morning, the Council met with congressional staff to discuss the introduction of the Universal Charitable Giving Act of 2017(HR 3988). This proposal places the…

In This Week's Edition of Snapshot Tax Reform Update: Budget Consideration Maintains Tax Reform Momentum HHS Secretary Price Resigns IRS Changes 1023-EZ Form In the States: Oregon Supreme Court Upholds Portland Arts Tax News from the Hill So, What's Up with Tax Reform? In the coming months…

Philanthropy is a driver of civil society. It fuels the programs and movements that shape our culture across communities. In this role, foundations are uniquely situated with the experience and expertise to lead the way forward on issues that affect people throughout our nation and across the globe…

The Council on Foundations wrote to the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)  to urge them to prioritize several regulations and guidance documents that impact our members. Each year, the Priority Guidance Plan identifies and prioritizes those tax issues that…

We wanted to share this important breaking news on the status of tax reform legislation. As you know, in Washington, D.C., things can change quickly. Just last week, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady said that the tax reform framework document should be done in early September.…