In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Dr. Patrick Rooney, Emeritus Professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the ongoing debate over the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD). With decades of expertise in philanthropy and economics, Dr. Rooney explains how tax incentives impact charitable giving, particularly in light of past tax reforms that significantly reduced the number of itemizing households. While many donors give based on personal values, research shows that financial incentives, like tax deductions, can encourage even greater generosity.
Dr. Rooney and Bill dive into the latest UCD proposal currently moving through Congress, which suggests a deduction of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for couples—substantially higher than previous temporary versions, which were limited to just a few hundred dollars. Rooney highlights research indicating that well-structured tax incentives can increase both the number of donors and the total amount given. While the proposal is still in flux, and there’s no guarantee it will become law, he emphasizes that higher deduction limits could provide a strong incentive for charitable giving.
The discussion also touches on donor psychology and the role of tax policy in philanthropic behavior. While tax breaks often rank low in surveys about giving motivations, donors tend to notice when those benefits disappear. Rooney suggests that many donors are motivated by a mix of altruism and financial awareness—wanting to do good while also considering the impact on their taxable income. He shares research showing that even a 25% tax credit could significantly boost giving, reinforcing the importance of tax policy in shaping philanthropic trends.
For fundraisers, the key takeaway is to stay informed and prepared to discuss these potential changes with donors. While the legislative process is uncertain, fundraisers should be ready to explain how tax incentives can help donors maximize their giving impact. Bill closes the episode by emphasizing the broader importance of economic and policy literacy in nonprofit fundraising. He also highlights The Fund Raising School’s resources, including public courses, webinars, and the Achieving Excellence in Fundraising textbook, to help fundraisers stay ahead of policy changes and effectively engage donors.