Foundation Group Opposes Charitable-Deduction Cap and Supports Estate Tax

Mr. Gunderson said previous debates occurred before he took the helm in 2005, but that he believes the issue has been sensitive partly because many people who run foundations come from wealthy families that would be affected by the estate tax.

“I said you can’t have probably the most significant issue affecting the growth of philanthropy and not take a position on it,” he said.

Mr. Gunderson said the two new positions will be integrated into the council’s overall tax-policy strategy, which also calls for changes in areas like excise taxes on foundations, donations from individual retirement accounts to donor-advised funds, and foundation support of “low profit limited liability companies.”