Lobbying on Charitable Deductions and Other Philanthropy Matters: a Snapshot of Spending

Association of Fundraising Professionals

2012: $75,000 | 2011: $100,000

Issues: Charitable-deduction, provisions to expand tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable gifts (IRA rollover)

Council on Foundations

2012: $170,000 | 2011: $300,000

Issues: Charitable deduction, foundation excise tax, IRA rollover, measures affecting donor-advised funds and supporting organizations, IRS-approved bodies that determine when foreign nonprofits are equivalent to U.S. charities, other issues affecting private foundations

Note: In some quarters, a lobbying firm representing the council spent additional money, but less than the $5,000 that is legally required to be reported

Independent Sector

2012: $190,000 | 2011: $230,000

Issues: Charitable deduction, President Obama’s budget proposals, “Buffett Rule” legislation to impose minimum federal tax on multimillionaires, IRA rollover, foundation excise tax, spending on the Corporation for National and Community Service, discount postal rates for charities

National Council of Nonprofits

2012: Less than $5,000 each quarter | 2011: $10,000 in the fourth quarter, less than $5,000 in every other quarter

Issues: Charitable deduction, nonprofit government contracting, spending on the federal Nonprofit Capacity Building Program

Philanthropy Roundtable

2012: $40,000 (includes fourth quarter) | 2011: $60,000

Issues: Charitable deduction, tax proposals affecting foundations

Note: Except where mentioned, the 2012 figure includes activity only during the first three quarters. Data were compiled by Sarah Frostenson from federal lobbying records.