Storms Brewing on Legislative Front

Every day, people are giving their money and their time, sharing their ideas, and advocating for a wide variety of organizations that sustain our cultural and social fabric.

The homeless shelter caring for folks in far worse circumstances than most of us face. The food bank providing wholesome food to those in need. The local mission offering after-school computer classes. The arts group bringing music to our ears. The medical researchers inching closer to a cure for cancer. The churches, synagogues and mosques giving comfort and hope to our souls. The environmental protectors guarding our natural resources and caring for endangered animals. These are the good things being done every day in every corner of this land — and they are happening because Americans give their time and money so generously.

Federal regulation like what has been proposed and debated will not advance this good work. It will instead lead to the development of more bureaucracy and costs for nonprofit organizations.

If Grassley and his colleagues are truly concerned about the effectiveness and efficiency of charities, they should make certain that existing laws are enforced instead of creating new ones. They should fund the Internal Revenue Service and other government enforcement agencies so they can pursue the few bad apples who abuse their positions or engage in fraudulent activities, rather than impose new burdens on a whole class.

As they consider tax reform, they should make certain that donors continue to enjoy the full benefits of deductibility for their cash and in-kind gifts. They should work to strengthen our nonprofit organizations, not burden them with new federal regulations and fees.

But unless we speak out now, we are likely to see specific legislation that could very well change the fundraising environment as we know it today.