Philanthropy + Policy Update: April 26, 2024

Key News + Announcements

Resource Spotlight: New Forum Website Features Revamped Public Policy Webpages

Last week, the Forum officially launched our new website featuring revamped public policy and advocacy webpages, updated content, and improved navigation. The site is designed to provide a clean, user-friendly, and accessible experience for our members to help drive connections and foster a courageous sector.

Members and visitors can find the redeveloped Public Policy page, which overviews our strategy and initiatives, under the "Our Work" drop-down menu and webpage. The Advocacy page, which showcases the breadth of advocacy efforts at the Forum, is highlighted in the main menu visible across all pages. 

Beyond the Policy and Advocacy pages, check out the Policy Issues page, which highlights our focus areas; the District to D.C. Advocacy Network page, which showcases how to get involved; the Policy Resources page, which houses featured resources; and much more!

If you have any questions and/or concerns about the new policy pages, please contact Senior Public Policy Associate Nate Borek. 

Forum’s Evans Seeks to Testify at Treasury Hearing on DAF Regulations

United Philanthropy Forum Senior Director of Public Policy Matthew L. Evans submitted a request to testify during the Treasury hearing taking place May 6th, which was scheduled in response to comments the agency received on proposed donor-advised fund (DAF) regulations. Treasury is set to release a list of confirmed speakers for the hearing shortly.

Based, in part, on member feedback, Evans' remarks would cover the following concerns about the proposed regulations.

• The need to eliminate or significantly narrow the proposed rule that would include a donor’s personal investment advisor within the definition of “donor advisor.”
• The importance that the final regulations clearly state that certain collaborative or other funding arrangements, such as fiscal sponsorships and designated funds, are not DAFs.
• Needed clarifications on the statutory exception to the definition of a DAF for certain scholarship funds and the regulatory exception for certain disaster relief funds.
• The need to streamline and clarify the rules addressing the effects of serving on an advisory committee.
• Clarification that certain payments, such as those that are used for lobbying activities, are not taxable distributions.
• Changes to the effective date of the Proposed Regulations, supporting adequate time for these changes to be administered.

If you have any questions and/or concerns about this issue, please email Matthew L. Evans.

Forum and Sector Advocates Help Charitable Act Garner Most Co-Sponsors Yet

In the House, the Charitable Act has 16 new co-sponsors thanks, in part, to the efforts of the Forum network and sector advocates who have continued to build on the momentum of #FOTH2024. The total number of co-sponsors is now 59 in the House (30R, 29D) and 24 in the Senate (12D, 12R), the largest to date.

The Forum urges FOTH attendees, sector leaders, and advocates to continue to follow up with lawmakers and/or staff to thank them for their time and ask if they have committed to co-sponsoring the bill. Thanks to those of you who already circled back and helped garner the support of these new co-sponsors.

The Census Project’s Letter Calling for $2B in FY2025 Census Bureau Funding Includes Forum Members

On April 10th, The Census Project sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittees urging them to provide the Census Bureau with $2 billion in FY 2025 and oppose any proposals that would use the agency as a funding offset.

The list of organizations that added their name to the final letter includes the Council of Michigan Foundations, Forefront, and the Minnesota Council on Foundations.

State + Local Public Policy News

Federal Judge Rules that Miami’s Voting Map is Racially Gerrymandered

On April 9th, a federal judge found that Miami’s voting map is racially gerrymandered, siding with local civil rights groups and the ACLU of Florida who filed the suit. “By sorting its citizens based on race, the City reduced Miamians to no more than their racial backgrounds, thereby denying them the equal protection of the laws that the Fourteenth Amendment promises,” U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore wrote in his filing.

Learn more about the lawsuit and ruling.

North Carolina Health Roundtable Focuses on Public Policy and Black Maternal Health and Mortality

To mark Black Maternal Health Week, the Biden-Harris campaign hosted a roundtable conversation in Durham, North Carolina. Local leaders, health practitioners, and advocates discussed recent successes – including postpartum Medicaid coverage expansion – and new roadblocks to addressing inequitable maternal mortality rates in the state and nationally.

Read NC Newsline’s article on the roundtable.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Signs Donor Intent Bill Into Law

So-called “donor intent” legislation was signed into law this month in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear signed SB70, a bill introduced in January and passed by the legislature in March. The law will require charities to abide by endowment agreements and allow civil recourse if an agreement is broken.

The Forum follows this issue and will keep members apprised. If you have questions about this or similar bills, please contact Senior Director of Public Policy Matthew L. Evans.

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The Philanthropy + Policy Update regularly features state updates from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities’ State Priorities Partnership (SPP).

Florida Policy Institute Advocates Against Loosening Child Labor Laws

Despite the Florida Policy Institute's efforts to advocate against weakening child labor laws, the state legislature passed the final version of HB 49, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work more than 30 hours per week with parental approval.

However, through the efforts of the FPI and coalition partners, the legislature modified the final bill, helping to reduce its potential impact on the health and safety of teens.

Georgia Budget and Policy Institute Publishes Fact Sheet on State Health System

In March, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute developed a fact sheet assessing the state health system. Comparing counties across the state, the resource highlights the degree of severity of the coverage gap – a category whereby a person doesn’t qualify for Medicaid and doesn’t qualify for tax credits that make marketplace health plans affordable.