Congressman Blake Moore Reintroduces Legislation to Support Local Communities and Incentivize Charitable Giving
WASHINGTON– Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT), Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have reintroduced the bipartisan Charitable Act to encourage Americans to donate to charitable causes and support local communities. In addition to a broad, nationwide coalition that touches nearly every sector of our economy, the bill is endorsed by more than 100 nonprofits in Utah. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.
The Charitable Act extends and expands the expired charitable deduction for those who do not itemize on their tax returns, ensuring that every American who donates or tithes is able to benefit from both the standard deduction and the charitable deduction. Specifically, this legislation would raise the previous $300/$600 cap on the non-itemizer deduction to 1/3 of the standard deduction, equal to roughly $4,500 for individuals, $9,000 for joint filers.
“Supporting local communities and giving to charities is integral to enhancing the lives of all Americans and the causes they care most about,” said Congressman Moore. “The Charitable Act will enable more Americans to give back by empowering all individuals regardless of their income to contribute by helping charities, nonprofits, and religious organizations provide vital services that go far beyond the government’s reach. Generosity and service are defining characteristics of Utahns across the Beehive State, and I am honored to introduce legislation that will help more people contribute to the causes closest to their hearts.”
“America’s first safety net should never be the government—government is the least efficient caregiver by far,” said Senator Lankford. “Our families, churches, and other nonprofits do incredible work to lift up those who need it most. Updating the tax law to incentivize giving empowers Americans to make an even bigger impact for the homeless, hurting, and hungry.”
“Charitable giving is at the heart of strong, thriving communities,” said Congressman Davis. “When individuals contribute to their local churches, food banks, and nonprofit organizations, they uplift those in need and strengthen the very fabric of our society. The Charitable Act ensures that every American, regardless of income, can play a meaningful role in supporting vital services. By expanding the charitable deduction, we empower people to give more, fueling the organizations that provide housing, healthcare, education, and social services. I am proud to champion this bipartisan effort to foster generosity and build a more compassionate and equitable nation.”
“People donate to charities out of the kindness of their hearts, the last thing they should have to worry about is paying taxes on their generous contributions,” said Congresswoman Miller. “I am joining my colleagues in introducing the Charitable Act which will ensure that individuals, no matter their income, can receive a charitable deduction and in turn will continue donating to organizations, churches, or other good causes to help those within their communities or across the country.”
"Nonprofits in New Hampshire and across the country always step up to help those who are most in need," said Congressman Pappas. "It’s critical we do our part to support their work, and through them, our communities and our neighbors. That is why I’m reintroducing this bipartisan legislation alongside Congressman Moore to expand the charitable giving deduction, support the work of our nonprofits, and highlight the charitable spirit of our nation.”
Background:
This provision was first included in the CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The policy resulted in 90 million tax returns utilizing the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 saw the largest increase in charitable giving. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations as a result.
This bill is supported by numerous organizations including National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, ECFA, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.
The text of this legislation can be found here.
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