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Advocacy Blog
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Congressional Philanthropy Caucus
The Examiner reports that a new bipartisan House caucus will be formed specifically committed to issues affecting the nonprofit sector. Representative Robin Hayes (R-NC) will co-chair the first Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, and hopefully an identical group will form in the Senate. This announcement coincided with the Council on Foundations' annual "Foundations on the Hill", an event where grantmakers can meet members of Congress. This appears to be an excellent opportunity where the issues impacting the sector can reach Congress. The blog Inside Philanthropy also responded to this news.
According to the Examiner article; "The first thing foundation officials want Congress to do is extend the IRA Charitable Rollover provision. The provision, which expires this year, permits someone 70 or older to donate money in an IRA without paying tax on the distribution. Nonprofits would also like to see the $100,000 cap removed and the option for making such an IRA disbursement extended to younger donors."
Making it clear that it is important for nonprofits to be in touch with lawmakers, this article reiterates to nonprofits the great value in lobbying. A course called Advocacy Skills and Strategies at the University of San Diego is highlighted where students learn to "name and frame an issue, develop a fact sheet and then build support among interested stakeholders. Students are advised to identify potential opposition and figure out ways to assuage those concerns before approaching lawmakers." These valuable advocacy skills have been proven successful as two state lawmakers have introduced legislation based on class projects.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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