GIA Blog

Join United Philanthropy Forum and the broader philanthropic sector in support of the Charitable Act (S.566), a bill that would implement a Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD). For private foundations, advocacy and lobbying activities in support of the universal charitable deduction falls under the self-defense exception. Private foundations may participate in direct lobbying activities for this legislation and other legislation designed to protect the charitable deduction.

On March 1, 2023, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Charitable Act. The bill allows individual taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize their tax deductions a deduction in taxable years beginning in 2023 or 2024 for charitable contributions. The deduction is limited to one-third of the standard deduction allowed to such taxpayers.

This bi-partisan bill currently has 13 co-sponsors, 7 Democrats and 6 Republicans.

From the Kentucky Arts Council: Disasters and emergencies are among the largest threats to the careers of artists and livelihood of arts organizations across the country. Yet addressing these issues falls to the bottom of the to-do list when skies are blue and danger is out-of-sight. Join a 5-part series from the Kentucky Arts Council exploring important topics and issues related to emergency and disaster readiness, response and recovery in the arts. The series will culminate with an online event hosted by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

The Darryl Chappell Foundation (“Foundation”) empowers Afrodescendant artists to achieve their highest potential. We envision a future where a community of artists are impacting their communities in positive ways through art. The Foundation has been a member of GIA since January 2023.

What we are excited about here at the Darryl Chappell Foundation?

From Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees: Earlier this year, GCIR released our 2023 Public Policy Agenda, a set of federal and state reforms that would advance immigrant justice and power across the country. From calling for pathways to naturalization for Afghan arrivals and DACA holders to opposing policies that increase immigrant detention, GCIR stands with community leaders and coalitions leading the charge on these critical issues. In this learning session, we will dive into three top priority issues for immigrant justice advocates:

• 287(g): a program that empowers local law enforcement to act as ICE agents.
• The “Asylum Ban”: President Biden’s new proposal limiting access to asylum.
• Prison transfers: state and local prisons in California transferring individuals to ICE custody.

GCIR and members of our network recently advocated on several of these issues in Washington, D.C. as part of Foundations on the Hill.

From A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities: The 2023 James A. Joseph Lecture and Awards follow a decades-long tradition of recognizing Black excellence in philanthropy. Ambassador Joseph was a civil rights activist, a former ambassador to South Africa, an adviser to four American presidents, and one of the pioneering founders of ABFE. This year’s lecture and award ceremony will be the first since his recent passing on February 17, 2023 and there will be a video tribute to honor his impact and legacy in the sector and beyond.

Good morning family,

Thank you to everyone that reached out to check on us down here in Mississippi after the devastating tornadoes Friday night. My family and Sipp Culture are safe and were not directly impacted by the storms. However, as you have seen on the news, our extended community has been severely impacted and will be in relief and recovery mode for years to come.

From Funders for LGBTQ Issues:

Last week, the governors of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas signed into law bills attacking the rights of LGBTQ communities:

➤ Arkansas restricted drag performances in public spaces.

➤ Mississippi banned gender-affirming health care for youth under the age of eighteen.

➤ Tennessee restricted drag performances in public spaces and banned gender-affirming healthcare for youth under the age of eighteen.

These bills are only four of three hundred and ninety-one anti-LGBTQ bills proposed in state legislatures across the country since the start of the 2023 legislative session and they join bills in Utah and South Dakota also signed into law in these first three months of the year. Republican controlled state houses and governors in the South and Midwest have ramped up their efforts to codify transphobia into state law. Throughout these two regions, lawmakers have signed bills that target trans people, our families, and trans youth in particular.

Launched on March 21, 2023, the $250 million Yield Giving Open Call is an initiative focused on elevating organizations working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States: communities, individuals, and families with access to the fewest foundational resources and opportunities. The registration period is now open.

From NEA: President Joseph R. Biden will present the 2021 National Medals of Arts in conjunction with the National Humanities Medals on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET in an East Room ceremony at the White House. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will attend. The event will be live streamed at www.whitehouse.gov/live

Join Unbound Philanthropy for the second session of our Narrative Learning Series March 27, 2023 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT featuring Ai-jen Poo (National Domestic Workers Alliance), Cristina Jimenz (United We Dream & United We Dream Action), and moderator Bridgit Antoinette Evans (Pop Culture Collaborative).