Rochelle Jerry, Director of Development at the Indy Arts Council, advocates for the Charitable Act bill alongside AFP members.

On July 11 and 12, 2024, Rochelle Jerry, Indy Arts Council Director of Development, and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global Board Member, along with fellow AFP leaders visited Capitol Hill to promote the Charitable Act, legislation that will incentivize charitable giving.

Rochelle and her cohorts met with 10 Senate offices and four House offices – from both parties. The meetings included Senate Finance Committee Democrats and Republicans staff, Senate Leadership of both parties (Senator Schumer (D-NY), Senator John Thune (R-SD), and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)), other key Members of Congress, including Senator Rounds (R-SD and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY). The Board also met with senior staff from the office of Senator Grassley, Rep. Arrington (TX-19), who serves as the chair of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), and Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), among others.

AFP, with over 27,000 members, is the world’s largest community of professional fundraisers representing various charitable organizations. As an organization, AFP upholds the highest ethical standards in fundraising and are committed to its advancement and effectiveness. Fundraisers are deeply invested in how legislation impacts donors and taxpayers. Their collective efforts support organizations, drive missions, and enhance vital community programs and services. In their meetings, the team aimed to educate about AFP, ethical fundraising practices, and the charitable sector’s impact. They discussed the Charitable Act and invited direct co-sponsorship.

The Charitable Act would allow non-itemizing taxpayers to claim one-third of the standard deduction for charitable contributions starting this year without needing to itemize their taxes — a clear incentive for charitable giving at a time of declining giving.

Representing AFP and its Global Board of Directors in advocating for the Charitable Act was a fulfilling experience for Rochelle. On recalling her experience she shared, “I’m thrilled about the connections formed and the future endeavors ahead. As leaders in our field, we have crucial tasks before us.”

Jerry personally thanked Indiana elected officials for taking the meetings and shared her appreciation for Senator Young’s work on the Young, Lankford Bill to Protect the Privacy of Charitable Donors.