Why do some organizations truly excel in their fundraising and others merely get by? In this session we'll explore the results of Adrian Sargeant's study of organizations that have successfully doubled or tripled their donated income in a five-year period or less. Read more about this special lunch program and register now.

We will also be voting on our 2019 Board of Directors. Click here to see the slate.

This program is funded in part through member support of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy's BE the Cause Campaign.

September 25, 2018

Relationship Fundraising 3.0: Lessons from Social Psychology - Senior Forum
9:00 am - 11:00 pm | CPCC Harris Campus
 

We will explore the psychology of each stage of a relationship, from exploration through growth and commitment. Adrian Sargeant will then map out the fundamental human needs that can be met through philanthropy and how an understanding of these dimensions can add real value for supporters in their giving. For the first time, Adrian will present hard data on how exposure to relationship fundraising makes donors feel. He'll demonstrate how a relationship focused approach enhances the wellbeing it generates for supporters and how giving can double as a consequence. Register here.

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Legislative Update

New Tax Study Anticipates Significant Decrease in Charitable Giving Following Tax Reform

Synopsis: A third major study (complementing previous studies by the Lilly School/Independent Sector and the Tax Policy Center) has found that the new tax law will reduce annual charitable giving by $16-17 billion per year. The loss in giving will come primarily through the doubling of the standard deduction. The study also offers four different legislative proposals for increasing giving that would result in increased annual giving in the $19-23 billion range. 

Why It Matters: This latest study is the first one completed following the enactment of tax reform. It also comes from a conservative think tank, the American Enterprise Institute. There are now three different studies, coming from three different sources, that all point to the same result: annual drops in charitable giving in the range of $13-$20 billion. 

What to Do: Members need to be prepared for the potential impact of the new tax law later this year and into the future. AFP has published some information and advice on how to approach giving with the new tax law (here and here) and will be developing more materials later this year.  

Universal Charitable Deduction Bill Introduced in Congress

Synopsis: In May, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) introduced the Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act, which would create a universal charitable deduction. The bill would allow anyone, regardless of whether they itemize their taxes or not, to take a deduction for their charitable giving, and the bill does not limit how much can be claimed through the deduction. Research has shown that a universal charitable deduction would offset the projected losses in giving from the new tax law and actually lead to an estimated $5 billion increase in annul charitable giving. 

Why It Matters: With the new tax law projected to decrease giving by anywhere from $13 - $20 billion annually, and the demand for charitable services increasing every year, the creation of a universal charitable deduction is critical to ensure giving remains strong. In addition, research shows that fewer people are now giving to charity, and that the growth in giving is primarily due to major gifts (fewer people giving more money). The universal charitable deduction will encourage giving from all Americans regardless of wealth. This bill creates a universal charitable deduction without any limitations (floors or caps). 

What to Do: AFP will be sending out a legislative message to all members later this year, asking them to contact Members of Congress about the universal charitable deduction. Please be ready to follow up on that communication.