Council Connection: Updates for Council Members

Public policy news and updates for the philanthropic sector

Happening at the Council

Coming Together, Not Apart

In our new report, the Council — in partnership with Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) and New Pluralists — surveyed 133 foundations and conducted 43 in-depth interviews with philanthropic leaders to examine how organizations are counteracting polarization in their communities. Of the 133 foundations we surveyed:

  • 85% have funded connecting across differences within the past 10 years, and
  • Nearly a quarter allocated over half of their grantmaking budget to this work.

Download your free copy to learn more about how your peers are engaging in this work, the challenges they face, and how you can invest in connecting across differences.

What We're Tracking in DC

Looking to 2025

With Congress in recess, the Council’s Government Affairs team has been following the general election, which will determine control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. While every election impacts our work, this year’s is particularly important: in 2025, many provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire, meaning a tax package is on the horizon. Philanthropy’s priorities are bipartisan, but the party in control of next year’s tax negotiations impacts how we frame our issues and shape our approach.

As we prepare for next year’s tax debate, here are some of the analyses we’ve been reading:

To learn more, join our webinar, Looking to 2025: Making Sense of the Election, on November 14 at 2pm ET. Amy Walters, editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, will explain the outcome of the election and its impact on the broader policy environment. Then, a panel will discuss how the outcome of the election may affect your work and the philanthropic ecosystem.

Council members can also join our Public Policy Action Network meeting on Monday, October 28 at 2pm ET to hear more about how our team is planning for 2025 — and how you can support our efforts to ensure Congress understands the value of philanthropy.

Federal Government Updates and Opportunities

  • The Treasury Department and the IRS announced that tax-exempt organizations will not be required to file Form 4626, Alternative Minimum Tax – Corporations, for tax year 2023 as the IRS finalizes regulations related to the tax. However, tax-exempt organizations should still maintain records of their adjusted financial statement income, and those who are required to pay the tax should report it on Part II, Line 5 of Form 990-T.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency has announced $2 billion in grants to support disadvantaged communities. These funds will be used for projects that reduce pollution, improve climate resilience, and strengthen local capacity to address environmental justice. The program focuses on community-driven initiatives, aiming to help areas disproportionately affected by climate change and historical neglect. Nonprofits are eligible to apply; the deadline is November 21. 
  • Round Two of the EPA's Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program focuses on reducing food waste and promoting composting. With $39 million available, the program supports a national consumer campaign to reduce wasted food, expand compost markets, and enhance composting education for households. Nonprofits are eligible to apply; the deadline is December 20.  

Happening in the States

Lawmakers, Regulators, Courts Respond to Natural Disasters

Nonprofits are always among the first helpers on the scenes during natural disasters. And they continue helping long after the skies have cleared. This fall, public officials are taking notice, developing policies to address the needs in their communities and assisting nonprofits in providing relief and recovery.

Local Elections and Ballot Measures

Voters are considering more than the next U.S. President when heading to the polls. Mayors in 41 of the 100 largest cities are on the ballot, along with thousands of positions for county and city councils, and many more. Voters in 30 states will consider nearly 700 local ballot measures, many of which deal with affordable housing, healthcare, procurement processes, and renewable energy and could directly impact local nonprofits serving their communities.

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Keep in Touch!

Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the Government Relations Team with comments or concerns, or to share an issue, article, event, or op-ed you would like to see covered in a future Washington Snapshot.

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Shared purpose. Collective voice. Greater impact.