December 20, 2012

WASHINGTON (JTA) – The Jewish Federations of North America is urging citizens to contact their elected officials as part of its continuing effort to protect the charitable contribution tax deduction.

JFNA, in collaboration with social service partners, is asking the public to write or call the White House and Congress and ask their politicians to continue to keep charitable contributions tax deductible at the current level.

“We are working with our national and local coalition partners to ensure elected officials recognize the importance of charitable contributions in supporting the social safety net, and to activate the public to join us in this fight,” said Michael Siegal, chair of JFNA’s board of trustees. 

These deductions are “a vital component in supporting Jewish social service agencies as they work to help protect the most vulnerable,” JFNA said in a statement.

“Any limit on charitable deductions would hurt front-line charities serving people in need,” according to the statement.

“Tax policy should encourage charitable giving, especially during times of economic distress,” said William Daroff, vice president for public policy. “As demands on nonprofits continue to grow, we must ensure that the tax code continues to promote giving and enables charities to meet the rising demand for critical community-based services.”
 

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