Washington Snapshot - August 29, 2013
Historic 50th anniversary in Washington
Council President and CEO Vikki Spruill and Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO of the Association of Black Foundation Executives, co-authored a reflection in today’s Nonprofit Quarterly to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. They highlighted the important linkages between this historic event and the philanthropic sector. Days like yesterday in Washington remind us of the importance of continuing Dr. King’s efforts to advance a common good that respects the full dignity of all people.
Up on Capitol Hill
Activity on Capitol Hill traditionally slows down during the last week of August, and this year is no exception. So, this week’s Washington Snapshot will update readers on developments and opportunities in the Executive Branch. In the past few months there have been some interesting activities in the federal agencies related to our sector.
There have been a few interesting articles cross our desks this week, but it’s also quieter in the media than usual. This may be the “calm before the storm” and we anticipate an upsurge in articles as Congress returns in September.
Will looming deficit and budget issues affect tax reform?
The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal highlighted two issues that could impact tax reform. The Times highlights the lack of progress between the White House and Senate Republicans on a budget deal, and the threat of a government shutdown if no deal is reached. The WSJ’s focus is on the earlier than predicted date when the debt ceiling will likely be reached. If Congress cannot agree to a debt ceiling increase, both economists and lawmakers fear this will trigger negative economic consequences. With these fiscal fights on the horizon, the National Journal discusses the impact that the Simpson Bowles Commission may have in finding the common ground. In the article, analysts note that the Commission’s support of entitlement reform (which angers Democrats) and new revenue (which angers Republicans) may leave them in a position where neither side of the aisle will see them as an avenue to break the impasse.
With these issues looming, the mood may be partisan and tense as members of Congress return from their districts, and this has the potential to swallow up any tax reform momentum. We will watch carefully and keep reporting.
Finance Chairman Max Baucus is still optimistic
In Montana on Sunday, Senator Baucus (D-MT) was optimistic about chances of tax reform, saying on CBS, “we are going to reach a tipping point in the not too distant future where there is going to be inevitability.” He acknowledges that there are some hurdles ahead, but his determination to accomplish tax reform was evident in the interview. The
In opinion pieces, Point-Counterpoint from Minnesota
Last week’s Snapshot highlighted some divisions and divides among charitable causes and this was echoed in opinion pieces that ran in the Minnesota Star Tribune. In his commentary, “How Taxpayers Give Away Billions of Dollars,” former Star Tribune business reporter Mike Meyers argues that the government should end all tax breaks for nonprofits. This week, Sarah Caruso of the Twin Cities United Way and John Pratt of the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits responded with, “Why Tax Deduction for Charitable Contributions Count.” They cited the return on investment and the critical economic impact that charitable contributions provide to local communities.
A follow-up to the Bruce Bartlett blog highlighted in last week's Snapshot
Last week, Snapshot linked to a blog in the New York Times by former Reagan and H. W. Bush policy analyst, Bruce Bartlett where he explains the history of the charitable deduction going back to 1917. Bartlett follows up this week with an in depth analysis of the charitable deduction and tax reform. Again, it’s an interesting read, pointing out the good that comes from these contributions, but also pointing out ways where the system can be abused. Differences between charities and other nonprofits such as universities and hospitals are also discussed.
And now, for an Executive Branch update
One of the Council on Foundation’s objectives in working with the Executive Branch is to broaden the reach of philanthropy's investments by providing the federal government an avenue to leverage its initiatives with the missions of foundations and to bring innovation and philanthropic stakeholder input to the government. One focus of the work has been to create an organized pathway for foundations that are interested to take advantage of the unique confluence of opportunities in such partnerships sought across the government. Following are some current opportunities and information the Council received from our federal colleagues this past month:
Agriculture (USDA)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been actively engaging with the Council under a Memorandum of Understanding for a number of years about ways to build philanthropic capacity in rural America. One effort has been work with rural community foundations to build their endowments in order to take advantage of transfer of wealth opportunities. In 2012, the USDA awarded three grants under the Rural Community Development Initiative to three community foundations for this purpose: Community Foundation of Appalachian Ohio, Montana Community Foundation and Telluride Community Foundation. The purpose of the grant was to train staff, develop outreach materials and create capacity building strategies. The USDA has announced there is another round of RCDI grants to be funded. Applications are due November 12, 2013. Rural community foundations interested in knowing more can contact Chris Beck, Senior Projects Advisor, Sustainable Communities and Philanthropic Engagement in the office of the Under-Secretary for Rural Development.
Defense (DOD)
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OJCS)
The Warrior and Family Support team of the OJCS is partnering with America’s Promise to launch a special component of America’s Promise GradNation Dropout Prevention Community Summits in October of 2013 aimed at engaging communities with high concentrations of military families. They are looking for partnerships with foundations and corporations with interests in these 15 targeted regions to help them with community planning summits: Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, Jackson (MS), Las Vegas, Miami, Louisville, Providence (RI), St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Tucson and Toledo (OH). For more information, contact Stephanie Powers at the Council. For a direct contact at the OJCS, contact Major Michael Taylor.
National Guard Bureau (NGB)
Foundations interested in assisting the National Guard in their efforts to find employment resources for their members who have returned from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan should contact Stephanie Powers. The NG’s Office of Manpower and Family Support has reached out to the Council to discuss a potential role foundations could play in helping their Family Assistance Programs at the state level develop more effective community outreach strategies in what has turned out to be a 50-state challenge. Given their limited capacity to provide deep transition assistance and confronted with the maze of civilian training institutions and fragmented employment resources across a state, the quest is to find a way to organize their approach and outreach in the States. Almost one million guard members were deployed over the past 12 years.
Education (DEd)
Contact Suzanne Immerman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the US Department of Education if you would like further information about their following engagement opportunities:
Investing In Innovation (i3)
The fourth Investing in Innovation (i3) grant competition is underway. This year's competition incorporates several improvements to support school districts and non-profit organizations partnering with schools to develop and expand innovative practices that accelerate student achievement and student preparation for college success. The U.S. Department of Education announced 119 highly rated pre-apps for the development category. The Department also received 4 applications for scale-up grants and 38 applications for validation grants. The Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) is seeking individuals from various backgrounds and professions to serve as peer reviewers for the competition. Check the Office of Innovation and Improvement blog for updates on the i3 competition throughout the year.
ConnectED Initiative
Driven by new digital technologies, the future of learning is increasingly interactive, individualized, and full of real-world experiences and information. President Obama has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take the steps necessary to build high-speed digital connections to America’s schools and libraries and has further directed the federal government to make better use of existing funds to get this technology into classrooms and into the hands of teachers trained on its advantages. Why? Unfortunately, the average school has about the same connectivity as the average American home, but serves 200 times as many users. Fewer than 20 percent of educators say their school’s internet connection meets their teaching needs.
The President is now calling on businesses, states, districts, schools and communities to support this vision, otherwise known as ConnectED. The pillars of ConnectED include upgraded connectivity, trained teachers and feature-rich educational devices and high-quality educational software.
Philanthropy can be a crucial partner in helping to catalyze digital transitions and ensure equity.
Early Learning
The next phase of the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) is underway. Applications will be available in late August and due by mid-October. The awards will go to State Education Agencies, and are estimated between $37.5 million and $75 million. Philanthropy can play a critical role supporting applicants with the development of their grant proposals. Check the RTT-ELC webpage for updates on the competition.
Also, Dr. Libby Doggett will be named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning, located in the agency’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE.) OESE jointly administers the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) program with the Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, Dr. Doggett directed the Pew Home Visiting Campaign, partnering with state legislators and other leaders to promote effective state policies and investments in high-quality, home-based programs for vulnerable families and led Pre-K Now, Pew’s 10-year campaign that advanced high-quality, voluntary preschool nationally.
"STRONG START, BRIGHT FUTURE" Back-to-School Bus Tour
Secretary Arne Duncan and senior Department officials will visit states throughout the Southwest for "Strong Start, Bright Future," the Department’s annual back-to-school bus tour from Monday, September 9 to Friday, September 13. The tour will kick off in New Mexico before heading to Texas, Arizona, and California. At stops throughout the tour, Secretary Duncan will highlight the importance of ensuring that all students benefit from high-quality educational opportunities. Specifically, the Secretary will discuss Preschool for All, college affordability, ConnectED, first-term education efforts, and comprehensive immigration reform's impact on education. Senior Department officials will hold additional events highlighting the Administration's work to leverage education reform and innovation across the country. Additional information about Secretary Duncan's schedule and senior Department officials' events will be released as details are made available.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Official to speak at the Council's San Diego conference
Matthew Bogoshian, Senior Policy Council at the EPA’s Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention office will be a guest speaker on the environmental learning tour at the Fall Conference for Community Foundations in San Diego on September 23. He will share the framework of President Obama’s recently released Climate Action Plan, calling for reduced carbon pollution, less energy waste, and increased community preparedness for the imminent challenges presented by climate change. The President released the plan at Georgetown University on June 25, highlighting the need to protect the well-being of future generations.
E3 Initiative aims to assist manufacturing communities
Foundations interested in the revitalization of manufacturing communities should check out EPA’s work in the cross-federal E3 Initiative, Economy, Energy, and Environment. It is a coordinated federal and local technical assistance initiative that is helping manufacturers across the nation adapt and thrive in a new business era focused on sustainability. Resources are leveraged from the following pool of E3 collaborating agencies and programs: DOC, DOE, EPA, DOL, SBA and USDA. In the process, E3 is boosting local economies and benefiting the communities with creation of “green jobs” and reduced environmental impacts. The EPA is looking to connect with place-based funders who would like to help small and mid-sized manufacturers in target communities with customized, hands-on assessments of production processes and implementation of energy-saving projects. For more information, contact Kristin Pierre, US EPA, Program Manager for E3.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD Secretary to join us at the Council's San Diego conference
Secretary Shaun Donovan will attend the Fall Conference for Community Foundations in September. He will join the Ignite speaker roster at the Wednesday breakfast plenary. He will also announce the 10 winners of the Secretary’s 2013 Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships and host a listening session while he is there. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the Council, launched this recognition program in 2012. The award recognizes excellence in partnerships that have transformed the relationship between the pubic and philanthropic sectors and led to measurable benefits in terms of increased economic employment, health, safety, education, sustainability, inclusivity and cultural opportunities, and/or housing access for low and moderate-income families. Find the award winners from 2012 here. For information about the awards program for 2014, contact Brian Horn at hudaward@cof.org. Anyone attending the San Diego conference who would like to attend Secretary Donovan’s listening session should also RSVP to Brian Horn.
September funder briefings
Secretary Donovan has been hosting funder briefings on HUD’s partnership priorities for the upcoming year. In July he discussed Promise Zones and Ladders to Opportunity. The next two briefings are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, September 11 at 2 PM EST on HUD Strategies for the President’s Climate Action Plan
- Monday September 16 at 2 PM EST on the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Rule.
To join Secretary Donovan for these interactive updates, RSVP to Yennie Tse by September 4, 2013. Two days prior to the call, HUD will send an e-mail with call-in details to all registered participants.
Labor (DOL)
Foundations have an opportunity to weigh in on the Department of Labor’s efforts to update their Strategic Plan. The new Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez, put the plan out for stakeholder comment and has urged active participation in its development. Updating the plan, means “more opportunity for workers to acquire the skills they need to succeed, and for employers to have the skilled workforce required to compete in a global economy; more opportunity to earn a fair day's pay for a fair day's work; more opportunity for workers and employers to compete on a level playing field; more opportunity for our veterans to thrive in the civilian economy; more opportunity for people with disabilities to contribute productively to the workforce; more opportunity to retire with dignity and peace of mind; and more opportunity for people to work in a safe and healthy environment and with the full protection of our anti-discrimination laws.”
Secretary Perez wrote in an email to stakeholders that he believes “the best way to promote and protect opportunity is through collaboration, consensus-building and pragmatic problem-solving… by making room for as many people as possible around the table in search of common ground. That's how I will continue to do business as Secretary of Labor.”
Review their proposed strategies and provide feedback and comments about the direction they are taking. Submit your ideas and comments to DOLstratplan@dol.gov.
State
The Office of the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights (SADR) is looking to engage foundations in the U.S. that would like to expand their global work to include disability rights. The Secretary of State has affirmed upholding the human rights of persons with disabilities as a central element of U.S. foreign policy. The Office of the Special Advisor was created following U.S. signature of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, hereafter “Disabilities Treaty”). The Special Advisor, Judith Heumann, leads the Department’s comprehensive strategy to promote and protect the rights of the estimated one billion persons with disabilities internationally.
The Disabilities Treaty reflects the principles of non-discrimination, equality, and accessibility found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In spite of the U.S. Senate rejecting a vote to sign the treaty in December 2012, Secretary of State John Kerry has made the ratification a high priority for the State Department.
To reach the Special Advisor for Disability Rights directly or if your foundation would like a briefing on the Disability Treaty ratification plan, contact Nichole Allem. Follow the Special Advisor on Twitter: @IntDisability and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAHeumann.
The White House
Asian American-Pacific Islander Initiative
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) seeks to highlight both the unmet needs in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities as well as the dynamic community assets that can be leveraged to meet many of those needs.
The WHIAAPI’s strategic engagement with the philanthropic sector includes developing partnerships to advance innovative models of AAPI student data disaggregation, among other efforts. Data disaggregation is an important step in ensuring education equity for AAPI communities and dispelling perceptions about the "model minority" myth in the AAPI community by highlighting significant disparities among students. Since a June 2013 symposium, focused on expanding and scaling models of disaggregation of AAPI student data and best practice policies at the state and local levels, WHIAAPI and the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE) have been advising and supporting regional clusters in implementing data disaggregation systems in their schools and districts. For more information, contact Tuyet Duong, WHIAAPI Senior Advisor.
Also, three foundations –Ford Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation -- have collectively pledged a total of $1 million toward the development of a comprehensive public/private partnership plan to benefit those underserved in the AAPI community. Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) was selected to lead the public-private partnership planning process and to help the White House develop a comprehensive “call to action” blueprint to increase investment in AAPI communities. For more information on the blueprint, contact Andrew Ho.
As you can see, there are many valuable initiatives and opportunities. If the Council can serve as your resource and connection point to any of these federal agencies or programs, we stand ready to assist. Contact Stephanie Powers or any member of our government relations team.
Keep in touch
Let us know how we are doing, or about any issue you’d like to see highlighted in a future Snapshot by reaching out to any member of our public policy team.
