We Must Remember the True Spirit of Christmas

Between the school shooting tragedy in Connecticut and daily headlines about the fiscal cliff, it’s understandable why some people might have trouble getting into the Christmas spirit this year. What normally would be a time of joy has become a period of national mourning and consternation.

But I think current events also offer an opportunity to refocus attention away from the festivities and consumerism that have come to define the Christmas season and focus instead on the true meaning of the holiday. The spirit of Christmas is not about buying the latest electronic gadget or going to parties. This is a time when we traditionally reflect on those who may not be able to afford presents under the Christmas tree, or who will be separated from loved ones during the holiday. It is a time of generosity toward others by giving of one’s spirit, not just giving material things. This is a time when we hold our loved ones close and celebrate the blessings we have been given.

In support of that spirit of giving, Volunteers of America has been working as part the Charitable Giving Coalition – a group of more than 50 national nonprofit organizations – to preserve the charitable income tax deduction, which has been proposed to be capped or eliminated as part of fiscal cliff negotiations. It has been estimated that, with no deduction for charitable gifts, annual giving would drop by 25 to 36 percent, and the proposed cap could cost charities as much as $7 billion a year in contributions.

The importance of donations from individuals can never be overstated. Philanthropy makes a critical difference in the lives of people we serve. It helps us fill gaps in existing funding to create new services in response to emerging needs. Policies like the charitable deduction help fuel a strong tradition of giving in America that has broadened access to health and human services, fostered an appreciation for our history and cultural heritage, advanced scientific and medical research, and supported a variety of other programs vital to the health of our nation.

At this time of year, we at Volunteers of America hope everyone will remember the true spirit of the holidays and focus on helping those in need. To help us make a difference in people’s lives, please visit www.voa.org/spiritofgiving. For more information on from the Charitable Giving Coalition, visit: http://protectgiving.org/.

– By Mike King, National President and CEO, Volunteers of America

 

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One Minute to End Alzheimer’s

One minute of your time could help put an end to Alzheimer’s.

At Volunteers of America, we’ve committed to join a nationwide effort of organizations committed to ending Alzheimer’s. Together, we’re building a movement, and we need you.

Be a part of the movement today – start by signing the Petition to Stop Alzheimer’s.

One in three families is affected by Alzheimer’s. It’s a cruel disease with a tremendous emotional and social cost – as well as an economic one. If we don’t act now, Alzheimer’s will cost our nation more than a trillion dollars each year by 2050.

We’re building this movement because individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers and families need our support – and they need it right away. One minute of your time can make all the difference; please sign the petition today to put an end to Alzheimer’s.

– By Mike King, National President and CEO, Volunteers of America

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Let’s Be Honest About What the Fiscal Cliff Means For Nonprofits

Let’s be honest about the “fiscal cliff” and the faulty logic that claims that charitable tax deduction is a benefit for the wealthy that won’t be missed. Political leaders touting this bromide are justifying proposals to redirect these dollars away from important work happening in communities nationwide.

Congress is seriously considering caps or cuts to the charitable deduction. The potential result—millions served by America’s nonprofit sector will be hit with the double whammy of government cutbacks and decline in the support of organizations like Volunteers of America, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Boys & Girls Clubs and the American Cancer Society.

Quietly and humbly carrying out extraordinary missions every day, it may be easy to overlook the nonprofit sector as a growth industry and vital part of America’s social and economic fabric. Limiting or doing away with the charitable deduction at a time when people are still reeling from the recession and budget cutbacks simply makes no sense. It won’t help the federal government avoid the fiscal cliff. It will simply shift it to the nonprofit sector and communities that depend on it.

Hundreds of leaders serving our communities will travel to our nation’s capital December 4-5 to make sure elected officials understand what is at stake. These leaders of the Charitable Giving Coalition include more than 50 of America’s most active charities, nonprofits and other organizations. We are speaking out to protect a 100-year American philanthropic tradition that encourages giving back and strengthening communities. We’re also urging anyone committed to protecting the charitable deduction and the communities served by charitable giving to make sure their voices are heard.

We aim to pierce the “inside-the-beltway” bubble with a reality check from thousands of communities outside the beltway about what is at stake—crucial programs and services, from food pantries and medical research to youth programs and seed grants to support new businesses and job creation.

Data suggests that for every dollar deducted through this incentive, communities receive $3 of benefit. No other tax provision generates the kind of positive impact. But, if donors have less incentive to give, donations decline. The result is the loss of billions of dollars to support worthy causes, the jobs they provide, and the millions they serve.

According to Giving USA individual contributions to charitable causes in America account for 73 percent of all giving. These donations help achieve breakthroughs and benefits that put our country on a path of continuous improvement. A new public opinion poll commissioned by the United Way found that most Americans (79 percent) believe reducing or eliminating the charitable tax deduction would have a negative impact on charities and the people they serve. Of those who indicate they would reduce charitable giving, the majority (62 percent) indicate they would have to reduce their contributions by a significant amount—by 25 percent or more. Two out of every three Americans (67 percent) are opposed to reducing the charitable tax deduction.

The message is clear. Americans want to protect the charitable deduction.

And, consider this: Nonprofits generate $1.1 trillion every year through human services and provide 13.5 million jobs. They account for 5.4 percent of the GDP and 9 percent of all wages paid. The diverse nonprofit sector supports efforts to, for example, develop technology and medications to improve our health—like insulin, the polio vaccine, the MRI, electron microscope and pacemaker, provide educational opportunities and access to health services and ensure housing and shelter for the most vulnerable. Other nonprofits enhance the arts and cultural activities, conserve wetlands and protect the environment, protect civil and voting rights, and preserve historic treasures.

Now is not the time for Congress to dismantle a tradition that supports America’s nonprofits and the people and causes they serve. No doubt our nation faces a fiscal crisis that must be addressed, but Congress should stop seeing the charitable deduction as an easy mark and acknowledge the fiscal cliff they will create for America’s most vulnerable at a time they can least afford it. Giving strengthens our communities. Urge your members of Congress to preserve the charitable deduction.

Click here to add writing to your member of Congress to preserve charitable giving to your GOOD “to-do” list.

– By Mike King, National President and CEO, Volunteers of America

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