By Americans for the Arts
As Congress and the White House consider various proposals to avoid the impending fiscal cliff scenario of more than $600 billion in federal spending cuts and tax increases for 2013, some have set their sights on limiting the deductions for charitable gifts and possibly even the status of nonprofit organizations as an answer. In particular, we are deeply troubled by reports of proposals under consideration that would create an aggregate dollar limit or percentage cap for all itemized deductions as a potential short-term revenue solution during the lame duck session.
Over the past 18 months, Americans for the Arts has intensified its outreach to Congress on the detrimental impact that these policies would have on thousands of nonprofit organizations across the country and, more importantly, the communities and individuals that they serve. In addition to lobbying on this issue during our own Arts Advocacy Day conferences for the last few years, we are actively working with Independent Sector and its diverse network of nonprofit organizations, ranging from American Cancer Society and YMCA to Catholic Charities and The Nature Conservancy. Together, we have lobbied dozens of congressional offices, sent letters (including one today) to the president, and ran ads in major political newspapers, with another new ad coming out this month.
YOU can ensure that your voice of support for the arts and the nonprofit sector is heard by your congressional delegation as they consider these issues in this lame duck session. CLICK HERE – Take two minutes to send a customizable message to your members of Congress.
December 18, Washington, DC – Today’s New York Times reported that the President and House Speaker are coming to an agreement that would avert the fiscal cliff, but also impose new limits on the charitable deduction. The President and Speaker need to hear a huge groundswell of opposition immediately, or the ability of all nonprofits – including cultural organizations, food banks, religious institutions, higher education, human service organizations and more – to raise funds and serve communities will be curtailed.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Call the White House (202-456-1111) and the Speaker (202-225-0600) FIRST THING, Wednesday, December 19, and give the operator this message:
Any limitation on the charitable deduction hurts all nonprofits and their ability to serve their communities and keep them healthy and vibrant. Donors should be receiving a tax deduction equal to their tax rate.
Give your name, city, and state, and tell what the charitable deduction means to the work you do or the services you rely on.
As background:
On average, 40% of the annual revenue to performing arts nonprofits comes from private contributions. At a time when nonprofits are still recovering from the recession, it is important to incentivize giving;
Unlike other deductions, the charitable deduction does not increase the wealth of individual donors. 100% of each donation is an investment in communities.
NEXT:
Forward this message to everyone you know – coworkers, board members, volunteers, clients, artists, and other nonprofit colleagues – who cares about the work of nonprofits, the services you provide, and the people you serve.
The White House Comment Line operates from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. (EST). Call first thing tomorrow morning and share this message. If the lines are busy, please keep trying.
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