Philanthropy Roundtable President and CEO Elise Westhoff appeared on “Fox News Live” this past weekend to discuss the importance of philanthropic freedom and our new Values-Based Giving campaign.
In an interview with “Fox News Live” host Mike Emanuel, Westhoff said that, despite high inflation and economic uncertainty, Americans are still giving to charity in record numbers.
“Philanthropy has been really a beacon of light and hope to people in our communities. It’s been able to get money to people who are struggling in a way that’s quick and nimble and flexible, and it’s an alternative to the sort of one-size-fits-all, top-down government solutions,” she said.
While Westhoff is hopeful we will see a continued wave of generosity through the end of the year, she expressed concerns about legislation that threatens philanthropic freedom, or the right of donors to give how, when and where they choose. “It’s really important to not restrict or to coerce giving because we know that leads to less charitable giving and we want to see more money going out to the communities,” she said.
Westhoff also highlighted the Roundtable’s Value-Based Giving campaign, “Our Values Improve Lives,” and the Opportunity Playbook, a digital resource that highlights organizations working in areas like education and workforce education. She emphasized the Roundtable’s role in helping to connect donors with high-impact nonprofits that assist those in need, especially during these challenging economic times.
“We can’t change the fed’s monetary policy, but we can help people get access to the skills they need to succeed. We can provide people with education to overcome obstacles and barriers and I think that’s where the charitable sector really shines,” she concluded.
Watch the full interview here.
