In an op-ed published June 27, 2023 in the Magnolia Tribune, Philanthropy Roundtable Director of Policy Research Jack Salmon explains why regulations in Mississippi might be contributing to barriers for charitable organizations. Salmon cites the Roundtable’s 50-state index of charity regulations to show that the state’s charitable sector could be even stronger without onerous regulations.
In May, following the passage of the Donor Intent Protection Act in Kansas, Philanthropy Roundtable launched a monthly series on donor intent controversies around the country to better inform those who care about this important topic.
Last week, Helen Flannery, a researcher at the progressive Institute for Policy Studies, took to Twitter to share a misleading take on IRS data on private foundation grants to donor-advised funds (DAFs). According to Flannery, tax return data from 2021 suggests that $2.6 billion in private foundation grants were contributed to national DAFs.
In an op-ed published June 21, 2023 in The Hill entitled “A constitutional overreach with dire consequences for philanthropy,” Jack Salmon, Philanthropy Roundtable’s director of policy research, examines why proposals to tax unrealized capital gains could have disastrous consequences for charitable giving.
Nearly every selective college in the country discriminates on the basis of race in admitting students because the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed it for decades. This month, the Court is expected to revoke that permission slip when it issues opinions in two cases brought by Students for Fair Admissions that challenge affirmative action at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. The good news is there are many other, better ways to support the disadvantaged than using race-based preferences.
Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the constitutional right to anonymous giving in its Americans for Prosperity Foundation v Bonta decision. Ruling that California could not justify its blanket disclosure requirement for the major donors of nonprofits in the state, the Court again recognized that forced disclosure regimes have a chilling effect on voluntary giving and association.
In 2022, charitable giving in the United States experienced a decline, marking a rare occurrence in a year characterized by economic uncertainty and stock market volatility. The Giving USA 2023 report, published by the Giving USA Foundation and researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, reveals key insights into philanthropy trends during this challenging period.
As Americans across the country celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, Philanthropy Roundtable would like to recognize the significant impact and importance of fathers in both family and community life. I recently sat down with Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, to discuss the state of fatherhood in America and how nonprofits can help dads make a difference in the lives of their children.
On Monday, the nation will celebrate its newest national holiday, Juneteenth. June 19 commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people were declared free in America. One way to celebrate Juneteenth is through powerful depictions of freedom fighters and their efforts to achieve equality for all. Julius Rosenwald, who rose to become president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, is one philanthropist who comes to mind.
This week Philanthropy Roundtable published a new policy brief on the Moore v. United States case and potential consequences for the charitable sector if taxes on unrealized gains are deemed constitutional. The ultimate ruling by the Supreme Court on this matter could lead to dire outcomes for the philanthropic community, with the potential to undermine the transformative work nonprofits do across the nation.
Headlines are full of updates for those following the latest diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) quota news. In the last few weeks alone, Florida has banned public universities from spending money on DEI initiatives or teaching “critical race theory,” the Texas legislature is considering similar legislation and the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on a challenge to affirmative action in higher ed in the coming weeks.
The generosity of donors and the ingenuity of nonprofits have the capacity to solve our nation’s mental health crisis. Meet some of the philanthropists and problem-solvers confronting this challenge and learn more about how our community’s values are improving lives.