WASHINGTON – May 14, 2026 – Philanthropy Roundtable applauds the tireless work of Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) to champion donor privacy through the introduction of the Protecting Charitable Giving Act. This legislation takes meaningful steps to discourage violations of donor privacy by ensuring federal law holds those who leak private donor information truly accountable. It also makes it easier for victims of such leaks to pursue justice and criminal prosecution.
“Philanthropy Roundtable is deeply grateful to Senators Young and Lankford for their unwavering leadership protecting donor privacy,” said Philanthropy Roundtable President and CEO Christie Herrera. “The right to give how, when and where donors choose, free from the fear of persecution and retaliation, is essential to safeguarding the free association that strengthens our society.
“The Protecting Charitable Giving Act strengthens federal law to substantially increase the penalties for leaking private donor information and makes it easier for victims to pursue justice. Donor privacy has been under fire for years. This law is needed more than ever to protect every American’s right to privately contribute to the causes and communities they care about most.”
Repeatedly, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld that Americans have a constitutional right to give anonymously. The 2021 decision in AFPF v. Bonta is one of the most important cases reaffirming that right to privacy and free association. Recognition of threat posed when donor privacy is violated was most recently upheld in the unanimous Supreme Court decision First Choice Women’s Resource Center v. Davenport.
The Protecting Charitable Giving Act takes important steps to safeguard donor privacy and free association and ensures those who violate them face the consequences.
“Anonymous giving has long been a way for Americans to support philanthropic organizations that rely on generous charitable contributions. In recent years, donor privacy has been threatened on too many occasions,” said Senator Young. “This legislation will address the disclosure of donor data to better protect both charitable organizations and their donors.”
“Nonprofits and their donors are an essential safety net for our communities—providing food, housing, and care to those who need it most. Oklahomans shouldn’t worry about their identities being made public after they provide a donation to a charitable organization. Millions of donors want to do something good without being recognized. We should honor their privacy as they care for others,” said Senator Lankford.
About Philanthropy Roundtable
Philanthropy Roundtable is a trusted partner to America’s most generous and influential charitable donors committed to freedom. By combining a strong defense of donors’ rights with the knowledge and expertise to give effectively, we help our network advance liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility with lasting impact.
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
###
