AFP Poll: Changes To Charitable Deduction Will Hurt Giving

Fundraisers have made it clear they expect a drop in donations if the Obama Administration's plan to limit the charitable deduction is approved, according to a story that was just published on our website.  How much that decline would be, however, is up for debate.

The plan, which is part of the White House's Fiscal Year 2012 budget, would cap itemized deductions at 28 percent for the richest Americans.  In a Quick Poll by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), three-quarters of those surveyed said the plan would negatively affect giving.  When it comes to how much giving would be affected, however, participants were split.  Here's how the numbers break down:

• 27 percent predict a 25-percent drop in gifts
• Another 27 percent believe it will be around a 5 to 10-percent decrease
• Finally, 23 percent think the decline will be at 5 percent

 Fewer than one in 10 fundraisers thought there would be no effect on giving, while 14 percent remained unsure.  You can read the whole story, including some reactions from the CEO of AFP, at the The NonProfit Times.