Philanthropic Freedom
Philanthropic Transparency
The Philanthropy Roundtable and the Aspen Institute recently hosted a panel to explore the complex issue of transparency in the philanthropic community. Click here to watch the video of this special roundtable discussion.
Guidebook — philanthropic freedom
How Public Is Private Philanthropy?
Should private funds be treated as “public money”? The unique strength of American philanthropy is found in our freedom to identify a societal need and dedicate personal time, treasure, and talent to address it. Today, a new set of challenges confronts American philanthropy as activists, legislators, and policymakers are claiming governmental authority to regulate the activities of philanthropists. This comprehensive legal analysis is a second edition to its original publication in 2009.
In Defense of Private Giving
New pressures are building on philanthropic freedom. With these in mind, The Philanthropy Roundtable is assembling a library of relevant classic readings. These sketch the vital role private giving has always played in improving America—and outline private philanthropy’s continuing importance to the nation. We have selected these readings for their readability, intellectual significance, and timeliness, and edited them to be compact and to the point. Please continue to visit this resource library as it expands.
The Great Charitable Myth
Is there harm in treating philanthropic dollars as public money? Heather Higgins reveals the dangers of this fallacy, and discusses the definitive legal arguments on this important topic.
What’s Behind Recent Attacks on the Charitable Tax Deduction?
Opponents believe the government knows how to spend money better than private citizens, that the public sector can pick winners and losers in the charitable sector, and that monolithic solutions trump diversity and experimentation.
Protecting the Charitable Deduction
The Philanthropy Roundtable and our legislative arm, the Alliance for Charitable Reform, are honored to be active members of a coalition that has come together to protect the charitable deduction. Adam Meyerson discusses this extraordinary coalition and outlines the importance of protecting the charitable deduction from proposals by political leaders that would diminish charitable giving.
Philanthropy Roundtable and ACR Disappointed by Obama Budget on Charitable Deduction
The President’s proposed budget would limit the charitable deduction and lays out tax reform principles, which include tax hikes and the “Buffett Rule.” Read our response here.
The Generosity of America
Adam Meyerson discusses the history of generosity in America and warns of the threats to American philanthropy. Read the adaptation of his speech delivered in the “First Principles on First Fridays” lecture series sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship.
Necessary, Important, and in Jeopardy
Here is a timely warning by Senate icon Daniel Patrick Moynihan on the subject of government vs. private social aid. Presented at the charter meeting of the philanthropic group Independent Sector more than 20 years ago, this forgotten clarion call was recently unearthed by Indiana University professor of public affairs and philanthropy Les Lenkowsky. It may be more relevant than ever.
Board Compensation: To Pay or Not to Pay?
Should a foundation compensate members of its board of directors for their service? William Schambra addresses a perennial question in the field of philanthropy and provides a balanced presentation of the compelling arguments on both sides of this issue.
Board Compensation
Readers respond to William Schambra’s feature article “Board Compensation: To Pay or Not to Pay?” and weigh in on the issue.
You Can’t Take It With You
Ray Madoff believes that perpetuity undermines “broader societal values.” Although there are good reasons to sunset, should it be legally mandated? Charles Rounds takes a closer look at Madoff’s claims in his review of ‘Immortality and the Law.’
