• Philanthropy Builds a Stronger Nation
  America has a lasting tradition of generosity and ingenuity in addressing our challenges and enriching our society. This culture of charity is vital to our collective health and well-being; it's in our national DNA.
• Charitable Giving is a Unique, Personal Choice
  American charitable giving is a valued form of personal expression. The diversity of our nation is reflected in charitable support of a wide variety of causes.
• We Have a Voice
  Philanthropy represents what is best about us - as a nation and as individuals. We should celebrate its successes and communicate effectively about its impact. We support actions and policies that encourage charitable giving, and are committed to preserving the freedom to give.

• To bring together the charitable community and to build a broad and diverse coalition of allies from all aspects of society;
  
• To share the unique, proud tradition of American philanthropy through information, news and correspondence;
  
• To bring together the charitable community in the face of potential challenges to its success at the local, state and national level by underscoring the powerful impact philanthropy has in improving lives and strengthening communities across the nation and abroad.

• Limiting the charitable deduction
  The tax deduction for charitable contributions provides an incentive for giving. Capping the deduction could have a chilling effect on giving at a time when philanthropy should be encouraged, and its benefits are greatly needed. While limiting the charitable deduction is seen by both the federal and state governments as a way to raise revenue, studies indicate this would reduce charitable giving to an array of causes and institutions.
• Asserting that private foundation assets are "public money" and subject to political control
  Attempts to exert control over private foundation assets and internal decisions are often based upon the presumption that foundation assets are "public money." While the government can and does enforce regulations that ensure that foundation dollars go to the charitable causes they are intended to; it cannot dictate specific contributions, or the composition of private foundation board members or staff.
• Proposing one-size-fits-all governance and grantmaking standards
  It has been suggested that universal standards be developed and adopted to determine foundation effectiveness. These standards would promote a one-size-fits-all definition of excellence that could undermine donor intent, foundation mission and foundation operations. These suggestions include stipulations for where and how grant dollars should be directed and the composition of private foundation boards.
• Creating a new government agency to oversee charities
  The proposal to create a new government agency has been circulating for several years. Most recently, a 2009 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report requested by a member of Congress again raised the profile of this issue.
• Redefining What is Charitable
  For over 200 years, Americans have enjoyed the freedom to decide where and how to contribute their time and resources. Their generosity is represented by a vast and diverse range of causes that seek to improve and impact education, veterans, the arts, human services, science, animal welfare and the environment, to name a few. The depth of need and the desire of Americans to contribute is great. But some have suggested that the scope of charitable giving should be narrowed in order to influence the success or failure of specific causes.

• Why do we need Voices for Philanthropy?
  The United States has a long history of private philanthropy and charitable giving. Private philanthropy and charitable giving connect people who share a common passion for a specific issue, cause or organization.
  
  Over the past several years charitable giving has attracted increased attention. We often hear about an individual or an organization that has identified a need - either close to home or far away - and has taken on the challenge. These examples of giving serve as inspiration and motivation.
  
  Charitable giving has drawn attention in other ways, too. While most people view charitable giving as an imperative part of addressing national and international needs, others would prefer to see it directed to achieving very specific agendas. Many understand that American charity is part of an independent sector, but others seek to blur the line between government and charity.
  
  Anything that undermines philanthropic support of the vast, diverse range of organizations, institutions and causes should be studied very carefully to ensure the successful impact of charitable giving isn't negatively affected.
• Who supports the Voices for Philanthropy campaign?
  Hopefully, people like you!
  
  - Here are others who have already accepted our invitation to join: Voices
  - Here are a few more friends: Facebook
  - Here is who you can contact for more information: Contact
  
• Isn't philanthropy a non-partisan, non-political issue?
  Upholding the tradition of American generosity is not political. The positive impact of American philanthropy is evidenced throughout our communities: from libraries, hospitals and university buildings named for benefactors, to small neighborhood and service organizations focused on building and supporting community.
  
  However, there are some who advocate for a more narrow definition of "philanthropy" or "charity." Some advocate for all charitable organizations to adhere to a specific set of values. Some seek new or increased regulation of private foundations and charitable giving to force public policy to meet those values.
  
  But, this is contrary to our national view of charity and philanthropy. As long as organizations adhere to existing law, they should be able to pursue their missions, advance their work, and aim to make an impact on the causes that are most important to them.
• What can I do to help?
  The nonpartisan Voices for Philanthropy campaign seeks to engage people like you to stand up on behalf of the non-profits YOU support. We'd love to hear your story, we'd appreciate your willingness to join us. Click here to learn more.

Donn Weinberg is Chairman and Executive Vice President of The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, a $2 billion independent, private, charitable foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Honolulu, Hawaii. The Weinberg Foundation's mission is to fund nonprofits that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged people, primarily in the U.S., Israel, and the Former Soviet Union.

Donn has been employed full-time by the Foundation since 1993, and also has been a trustee of the Foundation since 2002. He became Chairman in February of 2010. Before joining the Foundation, Donn was a trial lawyer in Maryland for 15 years. In college he had a double major in philosophy and communications, and in law school he served as editor-in-chief of Law Review. Since September 2007, as a hobby, Mr. Weinberg has been a volunteer singer-entertainer at older adult residential and day facilities in the Baltimore area and for some nonprofit fundraisers.

Linda Childears has been involved with the Daniels Fund since its inception. She was appointed by Bill Daniels as both a trustee of his estate and a member of Daniels Fund Board of Directors. In 2005, the Daniels Fund Board elected her President and CEO. She brings a passion for the work of the Fund, and she is dedicated to preserving and honoring donor intent.

The Daniels Fund carries forward Bill Daniels' legacy of generosity by providing grants to nonprofit organizations and college scholarships to deserving students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The Daniels Fund is one of the largest foundations in the Rocky Mountain Region, with approximately $1 billion in assets.

Linda originally met Bill Daniels when he hired her bank consulting company, The Financial Consortium, to help overcome the unique operational, legal, and regulatory challenges of launching his bank for kids, Young Americans Bank. Linda worked alongside Bill to plan, organize, and launch this state-chartered, FCIC-insured bank, which offers hands-on experience with real banking services exclusively to young people under 22. It was also during this time that Linda accepted Bill's offer to become President and CEO of Young Americans Bank. Companion educational programs, such as Young AmeriTowne, were developed to teach free enterprise, global economics, and entrepreneurship. During Linda's 18 years of leadership, Young Americans reached over 287,700 young people. From its headquarters directly across the street from the Daniels Fund, Young Americans continues to grow along with its customers.

Prior to Young Americans, Linda spent several years in "adult" banking. She served as President of Equitable Bank of Littleton and Vice President of First National Bancorporation. She also served the industry as a board member for Colorado Bankers Association, Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, Colorado Student Loan Program, and as Chairman of the American Bankers Association Education Foundation.

Linda is active in the Denver community and currently serves on the boards of the Cheyenne Capital Fund, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and The Philanthropic Collaborative. She is a member of the Colorado Ethics in Business Alliance Leadership Council. She has served as Chairman of the National Assembly (a coalition of more than 60 major national human service organizations), National Camp Fire, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Past board positions include Alliance for Choice in Education, Cherry Creek Business Improvement District, CollegeInvest, Colorado Meth Project, Daniels College of Business, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Denver Public Schools Foundation, DU Bridge Project, Foundation for Teaching Economics, Johnson & Wales University, Junior Achievement, Mile High United Way, National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, OpenWorld Learning, and Young Americans Center for Financial Education.