When speaking with lawmakers, we hope you highlight these three key messages. (Visit the House / Senate websites for contact information).

Use leave behinds found on the advocacy materials page to highlight the value and impact of the sector in your community.

Key Messages

1. The nonprofit sector is a major employer and contributes to a strong economy
   Employment is the number one issue of concern for Americans and lawmakers alike. When speaking with lawmakers, be sure to tell them how many people your organization employs, and highlight the fact that your organization is part of a larger nonprofit sector that employs 1 out of every 10 working Americans.
   • Use these leave-behind materials to highlight the economic value and diversity of the sector at the national and state levels.
2. The charitable deduction is a fair and powerful incentive to give
   Nonprofits draw on America’s charitable spirit to support programs vital to our communities and the people we serve. The charitable deduction is more important than ever, as government looks increasingly towards the nonprofit sector to meet increased demand for services that are likely to result from the economic downturn and government cuts in programs. Let them know that your organization depends on the charitable gifts that this tax incentive generates.
   
   Americans give to charitable organizations for many reasons, but studies have shown that tax policy greatly shapes the size and number of charitable donations. It has been estimated that, with no deduction for charitable gifts, annual giving would drop by between 25 and 36 percent, and limitations on the deduction, like the one proposed by President Obama, could cost charities as much as $7 billion a year in lost contributions.
   
   • Use this leave-behind and FAQs on the charitable deduction to inform lawmakers why Congress should reject proposals to limit the value of deductions for charitable donations.
   • View this webinar to learn how to use these talking points
   • Learn more about proposals and challenges to the charitable deduction, FAQs and recent developments as Congress works to address its fiduciary responsibilities.
3. Reduce the deficit without increasing poverty
   Urge your lawmakers to protect programs for people with low incomes in deficit reduction efforts. Refer to this letter to White House and Congressional leaders for more information. Independent Sector president and CEO Diana Aviv, along with other leaders from IS members, has signed-on in support of the message.

Use examples from your own work: Help lawmakers understand that the communities and constituents they serve depend on the vibrant and diverse nonprofit and philanthropic sector that is possible because of charitable incentives for giving, critical government programs that support your work, and the tax exemption framework.

Share your voice! Let your stakeholders know when you are meeting with lawmakers by adding the hashtag #npvoice to your tweets.  Also, email us and let us know how it went!