Congressman Blake Moore Launches the Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus to Increase Charitable Giving in Local Communities
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) launched the bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus with Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) to highlight and enhance the impact of nonprofit work and philanthropic giving in local communities.
The bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus serves as a forum to highlight and enhance the impact that the nonprofit sector and philanthropic giving have on local communities. The Caucus promotes policies that strengthen America’s communities and the philanthropic and charitable sectors by supporting and expanding tax incentives for charitable giving, protecting the ability of foundations, individuals, and businesses to give back, and advancing public–private partnerships that empower and drive local impact. The Caucus also seeks to inform and advance a deeper understanding of the contributions, work, and role of foundations in communities across the country for Members of Congress and their staff.
“Utahns are known for investing in our communities, serving our neighbors, leading the nation in volunteerism, and topping the charts for charitable donations. Giving back is something inherent to Utah’s culture, and I have worked to bring these values to policymaking to support those who are uplifting others," Congressman Moore said. "On this Giving Tuesday, I am excited to launch the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus to emphasize the immeasurable impacts local nonprofits and philanthropic organizations have on communities across the country."
“Philanthropy and charitable giving represent the best of American generosity,” Congressman Davis said. “I know the critical role that charitable foundations and nonprofits play in helping people and communities as assistance-providers, economic engines, and employers. I am proud to co-lead the Philanthropy Caucus with Rep. Moore to advance policies to expand philanthropy and strengthen nonprofits to help communities across this nation thrive.”
"On behalf of the United Philanthropy Forum and our nationwide network representing over 7,000 funders, I applaud Representatives Moore and Davis for their leadership in reestablishing the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. Philanthropy is often the first to respond and the last to leave in communities facing urgent challenges. This bipartisan Caucus is an important step toward ensuring that lawmakers fully understand the vital role of foundations and philanthropic investment in driving local solutions, fostering innovation, and partnering with the public sector. We look forward to working with the Caucus to strengthen charitable giving policy and advance public–private partnerships that improve lives in every corner of the country,” said Deborah Aubert Thomas, President and CEO of United Philanthropy Forum.
“Grant Professionals Association members are on the front lines of building community capacity—connecting philanthropic intent with public benefit. As professionals who support both foundation-funded initiatives and federally supported programs, we understand the value of policies that protect philanthropic freedom and improve access to grant funding. The relaunch of the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus is an important step toward strengthening the entire funding ecosystem, and we welcome the opportunity to help inform this work. We look forward to working with Representatives Blake Moore and Danny Davis to help ensure that grantmaking—whether from donors, foundations, or federal agencies—remains a powerful driver of innovation and impact in communities across the country,” said Mike Chamberlain, CEO of Grant Professionals Association.
"The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA) is pleased to see the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus revitalized under the leadership of Representatives Moore and Davis. This Caucus represents the bipartisan collaboration our sector needs to advance policies that strengthen charitable giving and protect nonprofit independence. TNPA looks forward to working closely with the Caucus as they champion the understanding of philanthropy and nonprofits' essential contributions to building stronger communities across America. Together, we can ensure our sector receives the recognition and support it deserves to continue driving meaningful impact nationwide," said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance.
"The nonprofit sector is America's backbone, delivering essential services to millions of people and strengthening neighborhoods across the nation in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. The National Council of Nonprofits looks forward to working with Representatives Moore and Davis to advance bipartisan legislation to further strengthen the nonprofit sector," said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of National Council of Nonprofits.
"The launch of the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus breaks ground on new ways to strengthen philanthropy, support nonprofits, and build the resilient communities we all depend on—and it opens new doors for Utah’s communities to thrive. When we invest in this ecosystem, we invest in the people and places that make our state thrive. We offer our thanks to Congressman Moore for reflecting the best of Utah’s values—service, stewardship, and caring for community," said Jill Bennett, CEO of Utah Nonprofits Association.
“We are grateful to Representatives Moore and Davis for their leadership and steadfast support of the bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus where Members of Congress can deepen their understanding of charitable foundations and champion policies that strengthen charitable giving, protect the freedom to give according to personal values, and strengthen the charitable nonprofits that serve communities nationwide. Generosity is a core American value and unifying force that brings people together across differences to solve problems and move forward together. We look forward to working with the Philanthropy Caucus to enhance and expand the American generosity that improves people’s lives,” said Kathleen Enright, President and CEO of Council on Foundations.
"The reinvigoration of the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus couldn't come at a more consequential time. The charitable nonprofit sector plays a vital role in every community in the US, both as an economic engine and major employer and as a source of creating well-being for every resident across the lifespan. As experts about their communities, charitable nonprofit leaders should be at every table where decisions are being made. We're grateful to Reps. Moore and Davis for their commitment to the charitable nonprofit sector, and in particular, to Rep. Davis, who has long been a champion in this space for the foundations and public charities in his district, including Forefront," said Monique B. Jones, President and CEO of Forefront.
"Philanthropy is an essential component of America's charitable sector, and the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus will play a vital role advancing policies to boost charitable giving, support the nonprofit workforce, preserve the sector's independence, and more. Now more than ever, our nation needs legislators who are educated about and mobilized around policies that help nonprofits and foundations make an even greater impact in their communities. Thank you to Representatives Blake Moore and Danny Davis for their work championing the charitable sector. Independent Sector looks forward to continuing our work with them and their colleagues through this Caucus," said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.
"AFP applauds Representatives Danny Davis and Blake Moore for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus and for championing the Charitable Act—our top legislative priority—which was successfully included in OBBBA. Their commitment to expanding charitable giving and strengthening America’s communities reflects the values of our 25,000 fundraising professionals who work every day to connect generosity with impact. This Caucus creates an important forum to continue advancing policies that empower individuals, foundations, and businesses to give back and support public–private partnerships that drive local results. AFP looks forward to collaborating with the Caucus to ensure strong implementation of the new charitable deduction and to further expand a culture of philanthropy nationwide," said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“As Chair of the Charitable Giving Coalition, I commend Representatives Blake Moore and Danny Davis for re-launching the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. Their leadership reflects a deep and consistent commitment to strengthening philanthropy and the charitable sector—most notably through their successful effort to extend the charitable tax deduction to all American taxpayers. The Charitable Giving Coalition looks forward to partnering with the Caucus to elevate the vital role philanthropy plays in communities nationwide and to advance policies that foster generosity and expand charitable impact,” said Brian Flahaven, Chair of Charitable Giving Coalition.
Background:
The Philanthropy Caucus builds on the growing momentum in Congress for increased access to charitable giving, following the inclusion of Congressman Moore's Charitable Act earlier this year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Utah has long been recognized as one of the most charitable states, with the highest volunteer rate at 47% and the most volunteer hours per capita at over 46 hours. Families in Utah also donate an average of 3.5% of their adjusted gross income, the second-most in the country, and the state has the third-highest percentage of taxpayers who donate money to charity.
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