The Council supports policies that allow philanthropy to grow, thrive, and advance the greater good. We play an active role in shaping a policy environment that enables you to do your work most effectively, and we engage with lawmakers and partners to stay connected with emerging issues that directly impact community foundations.
Priority Public Policy Issues
Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are an important tool used by many community foundations to support both immediate and long-term needs in close partnership with their donors. As highly popular and rapidly growing giving vehicles, DAFs have been subject to increased scrutiny by lawmakers who, in recent years, have proposed changes to how they are managed. In 2021, the Council convened the Strengthening Community Philanthropy Ad Hoc Working Group to develop a set of principles and proposals to share with lawmakers and the field.
Post-Graduation Scholarships
Post-graduation scholarships are designed to encourage individuals who possess specific career skills to make their homes and build their careers in areas where those skills are most needed. As with traditional scholarships, these programs would establish eligibility requirements and a process to verify that those requirements are met. The Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act would update the tax code to recognize post-graduation scholarship grants as a charitable activity.
Charitable Deduction for Nonitemizers
An above-the-line charitable deduction ensures that the majority of taxpayers who take the standard deduction can receive this important tax benefit for their charitable contributions and could encourage more taxpayers to give. The Charitable Act would allow individuals who do not itemize their taxes to receive a deduction for their charitable giving set at one-third the standard deduction.
IRA Charitable Rollover
The IRA Charitable Rollover allows seniors to make a charitable contribution from their retirement account to qualifying nonprofits. The Council supports expanding this provision to include gifts to a senior’s donor-advised fund so they can streamline their charitable strategies.
Get Involved in Advocacy
Public Policy Action Network
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is made up of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials on how to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on leaders in the field to ensure that public policy can best address the needs of foundations and their nonprofit partners.
Practice and Purpose of Policy: A Training for Community Foundation Leaders
Designed by the Council, in partnership with CFLeads, these trainings provide community foundation leaders and staff with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in advocating alongside their nonprofit partners for policy change.
Rules of Advocacy and Lobbying
Yes, community foundations can engage in the full range advocacy activities, including lobbying. Though community foundations have a significant amount of flexibility to engage in policy and advocacy work, certain restrictions still exist. Learn more about what types of activities you are allowed to engage in under the law.
Questions?
Connect with Council Staff
