Support the GIVE Act (S. 3429)

Nonprofits and volunteers nationwide need your immediate help by showing your strong support for the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008 (S.3429) (“GIVE Act”).

The GIVE Act of 2008, introduced August 6, by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV) and co-sponsored by Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Russ Feingold (D-WI), addresses the adverse impacts on volunteers of high gas prices and discriminatory tax policy towards nonprofits by eliminating the disincentives that prevent charitable volunteers from doing what they really want to do, which is to help the needy in their communities.

The GIVE Act, as introduced, would 1) raise the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to almost 41 cents; 2) eliminate the need for nonprofits to seek new legislation every year by setting the charitable volunteer rate at 70% of the standard business mileage rate as adjusted by the IRS; and 3) exclude from any income tax consequence actual mileage reimbursements made to volunteers. These features not only address economic pain being felt in America’s communities, but also recognize the vital role the nonprofit sector plays in coordinating volunteer efforts to meet human needs.

Join NCNA, your state association, and many distinguished nonprofits, such as AARP, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, Independent Sector, United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America in support of this legislation today.

Talking Points

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to express my strong support for the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008 (GIVE Act) (S. 3429), which addresses the negative impact of high gas prices and unfair tax policies have on volunteers, nonprofits, and our communities.

High gas prices and tax policies discriminating against nonprofit volunteers have combined to diminish the pool of volunteers who can use their own vehicles to transport meals to the homebound, drive the elderly and ill to doctors' appointments, deliver governance oversight, and provide other needed services. The GIVE Act respects the value of volunteers and eliminates the disincentives that prevent charitable volunteers from doing what they really want to do, which is to help the needy in their communities.

I support the GIVE Act because it would raise the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to almost 41 cents and stop the IRS from treating as taxable income actual mileage reimbursements made to volunteers.

As a voting constituent, I am asking you to do two things: co-sponsor the GIVE Act, and then push for its passage before Congress adjourns.

Please let me know your position on this important bill for nonprofits, and the actions you will take to support it.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Organization]
[Your address]

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