Highlights of This Edition
- FOTH Important Updates: Deadline Approaching + Non-Solicitation Policy
- Watch the Recording of the Forum’s Briefing on DAF Regulations
- House Passes Tax Package Without the Charitable Act
Key News + Announcements
FOTH Important Updates: Deadline Approaching + Non-Solicitation Policy
For those who haven’t already started planning for Foundations on the Hill 2024, now is the time to register, reserve a room, and coordinate meetings on Capitol Hill! Registration is nearly sold out, so grab a space while you can. Also, the deadline for reserving a discounted room is next Friday, February 9th, at 5 pm ET.
Find everything you need to know about Foundations on the Hill, including the latest agenda updates, resources for promotion, and sample letters for coordinating Hill meetings on the #FOTH2024 webpage. The webpage also includes an updated Non-Solicitation Policy for the conference. To create a mutually respectful environment, United Philanthropy Forum prohibits solicitation of any kind during Foundations on the Hill.
View the #FOTH2024 webpage for your Foundations on the Hill needs and register today!
#FOTH2024 Promises to be the Most Engaging and Impactful FOTH Yet
Here’s what to look forward to at the 21st Annual Foundations on the Hill!
As the sector’s premier full public policy conference, #FOTH2024 provides the opportunity for attendees to participate in interactive conference sessions, in-depth policy analyses and conversations, learn best practices, and collaborate with sector colleagues.
#FOTH2024: Your Go-To Public Policy Conference
- FOTH will kick off with Sunday pre-conference sessions on voter engagement, advocacy, and racial justice. Monday's programming will feature an exclusive first look and in-depth discussion about the National Study on DAFs. And Tuesday morning will prepare advocates for the Hill with the Advocacy and Leadership Summit Breakfast!
- Several networking opportunities, providing attendees multiple chances to connect, fellowship, and be in community with colleagues and fellow advocates from across the country. This includes the Signature Welcome Reception & Mixer on Monday evening and the Capitol Hill Reception on Tuesday evening.
- Dedicated time for PSOs, foundation leaders, and sector advocates to develop and strengthen relationships with their Members of Congress, staff, and federal officials. Meetings on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington start Tuesday after the Leadership Summitt Breakfast and continue through Wednesday!
Learn more about the Foundations on the Hill programming agenda and register today before the conference sells out!
House Passes Tax Package Without the Charitable Act
On Wednesday, the House passed a bipartisan tax package that includes an expanded child tax credit but excludes the Charitable Act, which would reinstate and expand a universal charitable deduction. The package passed 357-70, with 169 Republican and 188 Democratic votes in favor. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) declined to say when the Senate would vote on the measure or whether amendments would be considered.
The original sponsors of the Charitable Act during this Congress, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), have pushed for the inclusion of the UCD. Lankford and Coons highlighted sector support for the bill, including the Charitable Giving Coalition, of which the Forum is a member.
As a leading voice in support of the Charitble Act, the Forum encourages the sector to ask lawmakers to co-sponsor and support the bill.
See the details from NBC News.
Federal Court Declines Revisiting a Ruling that Could Weaken the Voting Rights Act
On Tuesday, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request to revisit a ruling that found that private individuals or groups cannot file suit claiming Section 2 of the landmark Voting Rights Act has been violated.
Arkansas advocacy groups filed the original suit asserting that the voting power of Black communities in the state had been diluted. Historically, the majority of VRA cases have been filed by private groups.
The ruling applies in the 8th Circuit’s district. Other district courts have disagreed with the ruling, and Supreme Court Justices have indicated interest in a case focused on this issue.
Read additional details from NPR.
Census Appropriations Deadline Pushed to March 8th
In January, President Biden signed into law another FY 2024 Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open. The CR extends the appropriations deadline for the Census Bureau until March 8th.
The Census Project sent leaders of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittees in the House and Senate a letter signed by over 90 national, state, and local census stakeholder organizations. The letter urges Congress to provide the Census Bureau with the highest possible level of funding in the final FY 2024 CJS bill.
Find out more from The Census Project.
PSO Resources + Updates
Don’t Miss Final FOTH Prep Webinar Next Wednesday, Feb. 7th
The Final FOTH Prep Webinar takes place next Wednesday, February 7th, at 1 pm ET. Delegation Captains and FOTH participants will learn Hill meeting protocol, get an exclusive first look at the finalized key messages for FOTH delegations to use on the Hill, and updates about programming, logistics, and the #FOTH2024 App!
This webinar will also provide a space to answer any last questions before the conference.
The recording is also available from the Welcome Webinar + Orientation, which covered the conference basics, how to schedule Hill meetings, the agenda, networking opportunities, and potential priority policy issues for Hill meetings.
Watch the Recording of the Forum’s Briefing on DAF Regulations
On Wednesday, before the Treasury's deadline for submitting comments on proposed DAF regulations, the Forum's District to D.C. Advocacy Network hosted a special presentation for PSO members and the broader sector. The recording of the session, DAF Regulations: A Comprehensive Briefing for the Philanthropic Sector, is now available.
During this presentation, veteran tax policy experts from the renowned D.C.-based law firm Miller & Chevalier joined Forum staff to provide a detailed review of the proposed regulations, field questions, and garner feedback from PSOs and foundations.
The recording of this important and timely briefing is open to Forum Network PSOs and their foundation and/or funder members. Non-members must create an account to view the recording. The process takes less than five minutes. Please contact Nate Borek with questions.
Resource Spotlight: Voter Engagement Ahead of the 2024 Election
With the 2024 campaign and election upon us, United Philanthropy Forum and other sector organizations are rolling out resources for voter engagement.
The Forum has partnered with Nonprofit VOTE on the newest edition of the Philanthropy for Voter Engagement Toolkit. Launched in November, the toolkit is intended to help foundations explore ways to support nonprofit voter engagement.
The toolkit will be featured during a #FOTH2024 pre-conference session and an upcoming National Council of Nonprofits webinar. The initial release was also included during a briefing hosted by the Forum and Nonprofit VOTE.
As election season nears, check out the Philanthropy for Voter Engagement Toolkit and related programming.
State Public Policy News
AZ Impact for Good Seeking Member Input to Inform Charitable Tax Credit Policy
Last week, the Arizona Department of Revenue published Final Policy Guidelines on a tax credit program for qualifying charitable organizations. Before legislative committee hearings begin, the AZ Impact for Good team is seeking member questions, comments, and concerns about the guidelines.
Find out more from AZ Impact for Good.
Donor Intent Bills Introduced in Kentucky and Georgia Legislatures
State Senators in multiple states have introduced so-called “donor intent” legislation, per Bloomberg Government. Last month, Kentucky Republican Senators introduced SB70, a bill that would require charities to abide by endowment agreements and allow civil recourse if an agreement is broken.
This week, Georgia Republican Senators introduced SB 433, which would also require charities to abide by endowment agreements and provide legal remedies for violation.
The Forum continues to follow this issue and will keep members updated. If you have questions about these or similar bills, please contact Senior Director of Public Policy Matthew L. Evans.
NY Legislation Aims to Reduce Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality
In commemoration of the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade last week, the New York State Senate Democratic Majority passed a comprehensive set of laws aimed at strengthening reproductive rights and improving maternal health.
“While reproductive rights are under attack and the U.S. maternal mortality crisis continues to worsen,” Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “we are leading the way by passing legislation to address this crisis, and by taking steps to combat the unacceptable racial disparities in maternal mortality.”
Find out more from Buffalo Rising.
Advocacy from Across the Forum Network
Minn. Council on Foundations Hosts Briefing on Sector Implications of SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling
The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) is hosting a member briefing today, Ripples of the SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action: Implications for Philanthropy. The discussion will cover the repercussions of last year’s Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action.
Presenters will refresh thinking about the SCOTUS decision, offer additional historical and legal context, provide insights about the litigation posed against the Georgia-based Fearless Fund, and contextualize these themes as they relate to foundation strategies and DEI commitments.
View the MCF event page for details.
North. CA Grantmakers Member Blog Details Power-Building Cohort Impact Ahead of an Election Year
Northern California Grantmakers’ (NCG) member, Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, joined NCG’s 2023 Power-Building cohort to learn how to show up as better advocates for policy changes on behalf of their grantees and grantees’ clients. Executive Director Kimberly Bender wrote a blog last month reflecting on the impact of the cohort program ahead of an election year.
Read the member blog from NCG.
Legislative Calendars
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is out of session.
View the House of Representatives calendar.
United States Senate
The United States Senate is in session.
View the United States Senate calendar.
2024 State Legislative Session
For State Legislative Calendars:
View the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2024 State Legislative Session Calendar.
