(WASHINGTON, December 16, 2021) – A new poll released today by Independent Sector finds that 88% of voters support a permanent charitable giving tax deduction for people in the U.S. and 74% of voters support increasing the cap to $4,000 per person. The poll also reveals strong public support for nonprofits having official government representation and engaging in nonpartisan civic engagement.
As people in the U.S. make year-end donations to charities and nonprofits, the poll’s overall results provide public insight about charitable giving policy, federal representation of the nonprofit sector, and the nonprofit role in building healthier and stronger communities.
“People in the U.S. know that problems get solved when nonprofits are engaged. These results make clear to lawmakers that expanding charitable giving incentives and giving nonprofits a seat at the policy-making table are goals that voters applaud and expect,” said Daniel J. Cardinali, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “Nonprofit organizations should take heart in this support, while also being encouraged that the public supports their nonpartisan civic engagement activities. Nonprofits work daily with people to make communities better and more equitable.”
Among the poll’s findings:
Universal Charitable Deduction. An overwhelming 88% of voters support making the universal charitable deduction permanent for all taxpayers, including 53% of voters who strongly support this giving incentive. Nearly three quarters of voters (74%) support raising the cap for the universal charitable deduction to $4,000 per person, with greater than 70% support across every income level and all political identifications.
Federal Nonprofit Sector Representation. Seven out of 10 voters (72%) believe the federal government could better solve challenges facing local communities if charities and nonprofits were officially represented within the presidential administration, including 74% of frequent churchgoers.
Nonpartisan Civic Engagement. Nearly 9 in 10 voters (87%) support local charities educating policymakers and businesses about the needs of the communities they serve. Seven out of 10 voters (71%) think it is a good idea for nonprofits to offer voter support services, like voter registration and election day transportation.
Learn more about the latest poll.
Learn more about Independent Sector’s Seat at the Table campaign to create formal government mechanisms to leverage the mission, knowledge, and impact of the nation’s more than 1.8 million nonprofits so they can help government and the sector work together more effectively in pursuit of shared goals.
TargetPoint Consulting conducted this survey with 1,094 registered voters nationwide taken from a listed sample. Interviews were collected using automated telephone and mobile-app technology on December 4-6, 2021. The poll has a margin of error of ±2.96%.
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Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and business charity programs working to ensure all people in the United States thrive.
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Bradley Wong
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