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, Colorado Nonprofit 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

Skyrocketing gasoline prices are forcing many volunteers to cut back on delivering meals to seniors, taking patients to the doctor or doing other charity work that involves driving. This is critical in rural areas, where volunteers have to travel long distances.

As gas prices continue to increase nonprofit organizations face the phenomenal task of retaining current volunteers and recruiting new ones. The decline in volunteerism results less frequent deliveries and the number of clients served.

The current 14 cents per mile deduction is out of date and doesn’t cover the cost of operating a vehicle.

It is critical that Congress raise the standard charitable mileage deduction rate to 70 percent of the business rate or 41 cents/mile, which would then be adjusted annually, in order to relieve the burden of high fuel prices on individuals who are donating their time to serve people in need in our communities.

Charities reimburse volunteers for the miles they drive, to cover out-of-pocket expenses, in order to ensure that vital services are delivered in communities across the country.

It is unreasonable and counterproductive to treat mileage reimbursement as income and thereby tax the individuals for donating their services to their communities.

Treating charitable mileage reimbursements above 14 cents as income unfairly increases taxes on elderly volunteers and can subject them to higher Medicare premiums and social security taxes.

Congress must act immediately to exclude charitable mileage reimbursement from income.

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 unfavorable to 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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